Grant Henderson
Researcher in inference and learning for complex stochastic systems
I joined BioSS and the EPIC project in February 2025 as a researcher in inference and learning for complex stochastic systems.
Stochastic, or random, systems are widespread in nature. One application case is in describing the temporal and spatial evolution of epidemics in a variety of populations.
My Role in EPIC
I work closely with EPIC colleagues as part of Challenge 4, developing and testing tools for application to animal disease outbreaks.
We particularly focus on performing Bayesian Inference upon (typically) limited datasets describing key outbreak observations, a technique that enables us to infer the model parameters of the outbreak. Knowledge of these parameters is critical – it opens the potential to predict future epidemic behaviour during outbreaks, and to assess the potential efficacy of implementing disease control measures.
For more information on Bayesian Inference approaches in a variety of stochastic systems, please visit: Bayesian Inference for stochastic processes.
Background
Before joining BioSS, I was based at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. After attaining a BSc with First Class Honours in Physics (awarded 2019), I joined the Structured Light (FOAM) group for postgraduate studies theoretically and numerically investigating light-ultracold matter interactions, under the supervision of Dr Alison Yao. I was awarded my PhD in 2023, and additionally received Strathclyde’s 2023 EPSRC Doctoral Prize which funded my postdoctoral research until joining BioSS.
