Research
HEAL brings together interdisciplinary expertise to address global health challenges at the intersection of human behaviour, society, and policy. Through advanced analytical methods, we collect and analyse epidemiological, behavioural, and social indicators to identify risks and vulnerabilities across populations, strengthening prevention strategies and preparedness for current and future health threats. We also analyse the economic, institutional, and governance dimensions of health systems at national and international levels within broader global health strategies. We study how policies are designed, implemented, and assessed, and how they affect population well-being and health inequalities. Through this integrated approach, we generate evidence to support more effective, equitable, and resilient health systems.
Pandemic preparedness refers to the capacity to anticipate, monitor, and respond effectively to emerging infectious disease threats. We develop advanced modelling and AI tools to forecast risks and evaluate response strategies, while assessing health system resilience, governance structures, and risk communication mechanisms that shape effective emergency responses.
Non-communicable diseases represent a growing and persistent challenge for health systems worldwide. In collaboration with the National Institute of Molecular Genetics (INGM) Romeo and Enrica Invernizzi, we develop advanced statistical and Machine Learning models to study oncological and cardiovascular diseases, integrating epidemiological and economic analyses to inform prevention, screening, and long-term health system sustainability.
Population ageing reflects increasing life expectancy and changing demographic structures, bringing profound social, health, and care-related challenges. We analyse the health, economic, and organisational implications of ageing—including frailty, loneliness, and multimorbidity—to inform policies that promote healthy ageing and ensure resilient and sustainable care systems, particularly in the context of future health emergencies.
As part of this research area, we contribute to an inter-university initiative led by Bocconi, together with Università Cattolica and Università Statale di Milano. Within this initiative, we develop advanced biostatistical, machine learning, and AI models to study ageing, predict non-communicable disease risk—particularly in cancer screening—and inform prevention strategies in collaboration with leading international partners.
Mental health and well-being are shaped by social, behavioural, and institutional factors that vary across population groups and over the life course. We study the determinants of mental health in the general population—focusing on adolescents and vulnerable groups—examining how everyday behaviours, digital environments, and external shocks such as epidemics influence psychological outcomes and trust in public institutions.
Climate change is reshaping health risks worldwide by altering environmental conditions that affect population health, mortality patterns, and the spread of infectious diseases. We analyse its impact on human health—including reproductive outcomes and demographic trends—and study how changing environments drive vector-borne and zoonotic diseases, using high-resolution tools to map vulnerabilities and inform targeted prevention strategies.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing global health threats, undermining the effectiveness of treatments and increasing systemic vulnerability worldwide. In collaboration with the National Institute of Molecular Genetics (INGM) Romeo and Enrica Invernizzi, we develop AI-driven approaches to explore new therapeutic pathways while analysing the economic and systemic implications of AMR—including its impact on global trade, mobility, and international health policies—to inform coordinated international strategies.