Detail

Keywords

Community-Based Participatory Research; Epidemiologic Methods; Epidemiology; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Molecular Epidemiology; Public Health Surveillance

Research group(s)

• Bergthaler Lab
  Research Area: Infection Biology, Inflammation, Metabolism, Virology, Pathology, Evolution, Systems Biology
  Members:
  Andreas Bergthaler
  Orsolya Bajer-Molnar

Research interests

I am an evolutionary biologist with a focus on developing transdisciplinary frameworks to address infectious disease surveillance and public health equity. My research is grounded in the integration of molecular biology and socio-epidemiological methods to better understand pathogen transmission and the social factors that influence health outcomes. I work primarily with underserved and historically marginalized communities, aiming to co-develop participatory approaches to pathogen monitoring that are both scientifically robust and socially responsive.

My molecular work involves sequence-based pathogen surveillance to uncover transmission dynamics in diverse populations. This is complemented by quantitative social science methods, including structured surveys and policy analysis, to identify barriers to the implementation of public health interventions. By combining these approaches, I aim to bridge the gap between genomic surveillance and real-world health policy, ensuring that scientific insights translate into meaningful and equitable action.

I am particularly interested in how community engagement, data accessibility, and cross-sector collaboration can enhance the effectiveness of surveillance systems. My goal is to contribute to more inclusive public health infrastructure by designing research that not only generates new knowledge but also empowers communities and informs policy from the ground up.

Selected publications

1. Molnár, O., Knickel, M. and Marizzi, C. (2022) ‘Taking Action: Turning Evolutionary Theory into Preventive Policies’, MANTER: Journal of Parasite Biodiversity [Preprint]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.32873/unl.dc.manter28.
2. Molnár, O. et al. (2022) ‘The 3P Framework: A Comprehensive Approach to Coping with the Emerging Infectious Disease Crisis’, MANTER: Journal of Parasite Biodiversity [Preprint]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.32873/unl.dc.manter23.
3. Vianna Franco, M.P. et al. (2022) ‘Diversity regained: Precautionary approaches to COVID-19 as a phenomenon of the total environment’, Science of The Total Environment, 825, p. 154029. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154029.
4. Hoberg, E. (2022) ‘The DAMA Protocol, an Introduction: Finding Pathogens before They Find Us’, MANTER: Journal of Parasite Biodiversity [Preprint]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.32873/unl.dc.manter21.
5. Apari, P. et al. (2019) ‘Hiding in plain sight: an evolutionary approach to the South American Zika outbreak and its future consequences’, Zoologia, 36, pp. 1–5. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3897/zoologia.36.e36272.