Socialising Models: From Life Stories to Population Models of Disease

• In Event: Contemplating Models and Methods for Futures in-the-making - I

Abstract

Dynamic simulation models are becoming increasingly important tools for health policy decision-making. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen how models have been instrumental in transforming conceptions of expertise. There is growing awareness and desire to engage with ‘evidence': to have input into it, to make it and translate it (Rhodes et al. 2020). This paper explores the sociality of models and modelling practices designed to simulate disease prevention and inform health policy. The ‘social’ is considered from two angles. Firstly, model building is explored as a collaborative practice, a form of co-production which builds ‘good relations’ (or otherwise) between researchers, policymakers, experts and citizens. With the proliferation of participatory modelling methods, who is participating in making models, and who is left out? Secondly, the paper explores how ‘evidence’ is socialised and brought to life in modelling practice. It considers how storytelling features in the making and movement of models and what kinds of knowledge are valued as evidence in the process. As modelling practices gain increasing prominence, bringing an STS perspective to examine models and their sociality is important to enable a better understanding of the multiple roles of participatory simulation modelling within complex systems and the value of engaging with modelling processes.

Rhodes, T., Lancaster, K., & Rosengarten, M. (2020) A model society: maths, models and expertise in viral outbreaks, Critical Public Health, 30:3, 253-256

Author

• Victoria Loblay, Menzies Centre for Health Policy, The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre