Roy Anderson is an expert on epidemiology — the study of the distribution, causes and effects of disease and health-related events. In particular, Roy’s research focusses on developing and applying theoretical frameworks for investigating the transmission, evolution and control of infectious diseases.

He began his work in parasites, using parasitic worms and malaria-causing protozoa to assess how parasites regulate the populations of their hosts. Moving his focus to the mathematical modelling of the spread of diseases, he has provided insight into outbreaks of numerous human and animal diseases — as well as the effectiveness of treatments and vaccination.

Roy currently acts as an advisor to several global health and neglected tropical disease organizations, and worked with the UK government to formulate control measures for the 2001 foot and mouth disease epidemic. He was the Rector of Imperial College London from 2008–2009 and in 2006 received a knighthood for his considerable contributions to his field.