Dr Ellen Brooks Pollock OBE.

Dr Ellen Brooks Pollock developed a mathematical model that informed the easing of lockdown.

A Bristol Veterinary School lecturer has been awarded an OBE for her services to the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M) and SAGE during COVID-19. 

Dr Ellen Brooks Pollock, a senior lecturer in veterinary public health, has been a regular contributor to SPI-M - a subgroup of SAGE that advises the government on scientific matters.

During the pandemic, Dr Brooks Pollock developed a mathematical model used by government officials to plan the easing of lockdown. This included the partial re-opening of schools in June 2020, the full re-opening of schools in September 2020 and the vaccination rollout. 

She is currently involved in quantifying the role of groups and gatherings on COVID-19 transmission and showing that single-person households can safely form a bubble with other households. 

Commenting on her achievement, Dr Brooks Pollock said: “I am one of many modellers and scientists supporting the COVID-19 response in the UK and worldwide. I have been studying infectious diseases for 15 years and COVID-19 has tested our knowledge of epidemics and how to control them.

“It’s been a privilege and a unique experience to work with fantastic scientists from all over the UK - mostly without leaving home. I am delighted to receive this award and plan to continue to disease modelling for many years to come.”

Veterinary surgeons Marc Abraham and Professor James Wood were also named in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Marc Abraham received an OBE for his services to animal welfare, while Professor Wood received an OBE for services to veterinary science.

Image (C) University of Bristol.