Covid-19

Researchers from across the Live+Smart Lab at Deakin University are tapping into their innovative thinking and expertise to find ways to help during the COVID-19 pandemic. From dynamic systems modelling, pattern identification and dynamic scenario modelling to emergency response planning, biophilic designed home-work spaces and post COVID-19 liveability, the L+SLab is working across disciplines, connecting with industry partners and communities to develop tools and solutions at the intersection of humanity and technology.

Research Initiatives

The main research initiatives at the Live+Smart Research Laboratory on its way to implement MISSION COVID-19 are:

  • Flattening the curve in a pandemic using systems dynamic modelling

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, the Live+Smart Research Lab is conducting research in System Dynamics Modelling to understand the complexity of the COVID-19 pandemic in Tasmania, Australia. The aim of this research project is to develop a dynamic simulation model of the COVID-19 pandemic for understanding the state of the disease in Tasmania, Australia and assess the impact of different control and mitigation policies. Based on the simulation results, it is predicted that how the introduced measures slow COVID-19 by flattening the curve.

  • COVID-19 and GIS dynamic scenario modelling of vulnerable communities

This research initiative includes the mapping of highly vulnerable communities and persons to the potential impacts of disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic, inclusive of the elderly (>65), young (<5), and people with high-risk medical conditions. Using a GIS based Digital Twin Model (DTM) developed by the Live+Smart Lab of the greater Geelong region, future “what if” dynamic scenario planning modelling can be accommodated to identify potential disease spread, pandemic conditions, or other community impacts.

  • Maintain emergency services levels of functioning in a pandemic

Researchers at the Live+Smart Lab in collaboration with industry partner Deccan International are investigating case studies across the world to identify the main issues experienced by emergency services during a pandemic, and how to maintain efficient levels of emergency services response when staffing resources and equipment may need to be reduced or consolidated. This study will examine how advanced modelling tools can be used to assist in maintaining the current emergency services levels of functioning.

  • Biophilic design to support mental health during lock-down

The Live+Smart Research Lab is partnering with the School of Psychology to investigate mental health and wellbeing at home-workspaces. This research initiative looks at how working from home in isolation can contribute to mental-ill health, and how biophilic enriched work spaces at home can be designed to support mental health during lock-down.

  • COVID-19 Post-Liveability

This research initiative, informed by Smart Cities digital technologies, is looking at the new human environments that may now result in a post-COVID-19 environment as a result of social distancing, changes in our psychological relationships to people and places and work places, shifts in our human activities and needs, rethinking the design of places and urban design policy overall, and the contribution Smart Cities policies and technologies can have in facilitating and supporting these new physical and psychological contexts.