Grants

2026

This project proposes the development of an interactive open-source platform that uses urban data, network science, and visualization techniques to analyze and communicate the societal effects of virus-caused pandemics in Sweden.

Abstract: With its distinctive combination of densely populated cities, widely dispersed rural areas, and extensive forested regions, covering nearly 70% of the country, Sweden presents a unique context for studying how geographic and demographic diversity impact pandemic dynamics. By integrating spatial, temporal, and multivariate datasets, the platform will provide support for understanding how pandemics affect different communities in terms of healthcare access, social vulnerability, mobility patterns, and infrastructural resilience. The system will incorporate simulations related to epidemic spread in urban environments, as well as visualize inequalities in exposure and access to mitigation measures such as diagnostics, treatment, and vaccination. By combining network analysis with urban geospatial data, the platform will enable stakeholders such as public health officials, urban planners, and policymakers to explore alternative scenarios and strategic planning approaches. The project aims to contribute new insights into how organizational structures and societal behaviors influence outcomes during pandemics, offering a data-driven basis for more equitable and effective responses to future health crises.