Patna: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna has launched a six-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on Mathematical Modelling of Diseases, bringing together faculty members, researchers and academicians to examine how mathematical and computational tools can be used to understand the spread of diseases and support public health decision-making.
The programme, being held from July 6 to July 11, is organised under the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), University Grants Commission (UGC).
The inaugural session began with a ceremonial lamp-lighting and was attended by senior faculty members and academic leaders.
Focus On Disease Modelling
The programme aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of disease transmission, prevention and management using both classical mathematical models and modern data-driven computational techniques.
According to the organisers, 35 participants are attending the programme in person, while another 35 participants from institutions across the country have joined virtually, reflecting growing interest in the interdisciplinary field.
Director Highlights India’s Mathematical Legacy
Addressing the inaugural session, Prof. T. N. Singh, Director of IIT Patna, said India’s foundations in mathematical modelling date back centuries.
He referred to historical achievements such as the calculation of the value of π (pi) in the Shulba Sutras and Aryabhata’s estimation of the distance between the Earth and the Sun using geometric principles described in the Surya Siddhanta.
Prof. Singh said mathematical modelling plays an important role in understanding disease transmission, supporting evidence-based decision-making and developing effective prevention strategies.
Interdisciplinary Learning
The inaugural session was also attended by Dr. S. K. Parida, Programme Director of MMTTC; Dr. Prashant K. Srivastava, Coordinator of the programme and Head of the Department of Mathematics; Dr. Anup Kumar Keshri, Associate Dean (Research and Development); Dr. Mahesh Kolekar, Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering; Prof. Jimson Mathew, Dean (Student Affairs); Dr. N. K. Tomar, Associate Dean (Resources); and other faculty members.
The organisers said the programme is intended to strengthen the knowledge, analytical capabilities and research skills of faculty members and researchers working in the rapidly evolving field of mathematical disease modelling, while encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration between mathematics, data science and public health.
