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This focal point examines Japan's COVID-19 & AI Simulation Project - an initiative gathering multiple teams of experts who constructed computational models to provide the government and the public with an evidence base around which a rapid response to the evolving pandemic could be designed.
Japan assembled its top talent in modelling and artificial intelligence to respond to the pandemic. Their knowledge is being used to plan for future pandemics.
By adopting a mathematical approach called ‘multi-agent modelling’ and embracing machine learning, Japanese researchers have created innovative ways to predict the path of pandemics.
Supercomputer-assisted research to control the spread of COVID-19 could lead to lasting benefits in our battles against flu and other airborne pathogens.