Artificial Intelligence to Anticipate Future Pandemics: A Transformative Vision Published in Nature

In a major international study published in Nature, researchers including Simon Cauchemez from the INCEPTION Consortium highlight how artificial intelligence will shape global preparedness against future pandemics. The article outlines the unprecedented potential of AI to detect weak epidemiological signals, accelerate genomic surveillance, and predict how a pathogen may emerge or evolve.

Key contributions of AI include:

• combining climatic, demographic, ecological, mobility, and health data to forecast epidemic outbreaks,

• identifying new variants earlier and evaluating their transmissibility or immune-escape potential,

• improving the modelling of zoonotic spillovers,

• supporting public-health decision-making with real-time, ethically governed data systems.

The study also raises critical questions regarding transparency, equity, and responsible use of these technologies. For INCEPTION, which integrates data science, biology, and public health, this publication offers valuable insights into future interdisciplinary frameworks.

Read the full article here