DEPARTMENT OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
In 1997, when the former National Institute of Preventive Health was reorganized and renamed the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology was dissolved and replaced by the Infectious Disease Surveillance Center (IDSC).
Following an organizational restructuring in 2021, the Center adopted a structure consisting of 14 divisions: three divisions responsible for planning and management, four divisions responsible for surveillance, four divisions responsible for immunization, and three divisions responsible for epidemiologic research.
With the establishment of the Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS) in 2025, the epidemiology research domain was reorganized into f ive entities: the Center for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, the Department of Epidemiologic Research Planning, the Department of Epidemiology, the Department of Infectious Disease Surveillance Research, and the Immunization Research Department.
This document introduces the Center for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, the Department of Epidemiologic Research Planning, and the Department of Epidemiology.
CENTER FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASE EPIDEMIOLOGY
The Center for Infectious Disease Epidemiology collaborates with researchers both within and outside the Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS) to conduct research on infectious disease epidemiology and public health. The Center also contributes to the training and mentoring of early-career researchers through affiliated graduate school programs.
- DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENCES
The Division of Public Health Sciences conducts research that contributes broadly to public health through multidisciplinary approaches, with particular attention to the interface between science, policy, and society.
- DIVISION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE EPIDEMIOLOGY AND ANALYTICS
The Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Analytics conducts research to inform infectious disease prevention and control using epidemiological and statistical methods. In particular, the Division focuses on evaluating the public health value of vaccines through analyses of large-scale databases.
DEPARTMENT OF EPIDEMIOLOGIC RESEARCH PLANNING
The Department of Epidemiologic Research Planning is responsible for the planning and coordination of research activities and training programs conducted by the Center for Infectious Disease Epidemiology.
- DIVISION OF PLANNING AND COORDINATION
The Division of Planning and Coordination plans and coordinates research and training activities conducted by the Center for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and oversees the Center’s administrative operations.
DEPARTMENT OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
The Department of Epidemiology conducts research on the design of infectious disease studies; provides support for statistical analysis; analyzes infectious disease dynamics using mathematical modeling; designs intervention and control strategies; and carries out overseas f ield research.
- LABORATORY OF STATISTICS AND MACHINE LEARNING
Our laboratory aims to revolutionize the paradigm of infectious disease control through the mathematical sciences, centered on theoretical advancements in mathematical statistics, machine learning, and network science. At the core of our research lies the original development of methodologies in spatiotemporal modeling, causal inference, and deep learning that transcend mere data analysis. By establishing our own mathematical foundations to describe complex social dynamics and biological processes, and applying them to national-scale big data, we strive to contribute to the creation of evidence-based public health strategies. Our specif ic research interests are diverse, ranging from high-resolution outbreak analysis integrating GPS, satellite data, and real-time surveillance information, to the effectiveness evaluation of border control measures and the precise estimation of excess mortality. In particular, we conduct scenario-based analyses considering ecological shifts driven by climate change and f luctuating demographic dynamics, while promoting the construction of an "AI-driven Next Pandemic Infrastructure" that bridges individual-level data to population-wide patterns. Furthermore, we focus on optimizing intervention strategies that balance socioeconomic activity with public health imperatives. To minimize the impact of infections, we develop causal inference frameworks that dynamically control measures including vaccination and movement restrictions, based on real-time feedback. Our mission is to harmonize theoretical rigor with real-world responsiveness, leveraging the power of data science to preempt pandemic risks and enhance societal resilience.
- LABORATORY OF THEORETICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
The Laboratory of Theoretical Epidemiology applies epidemiological approaches to characterize infectious disease dynamics and to assess the impact of control strategies, with the aim of informing public health decision making. Our work focuses on estimating the natural history of infectious diseases, elucidating transmission dynamics, and evaluating interventions. We also offer training and capacity-building through courses and workshops. Our methodology is not limited to mathematical modeling; we integrate observational study designs with statistical inference and evaluation methods as appropriate. Accounting for key features of infectious disease data— including reporting delays, changes in testing and diagnostic practices, and unobserved infections—we estimate indicators such as epidemic magnitude, the effective reproduction number (Rt), and risks of severe disease and death. Using real-world data, we evaluate interventions including vaccination, behavioral change, mitigation measures in schools and workplaces, and border control measures. By combining surveillance data with human mobility, meteorological, and environmental data, as well as vital statistics, we analyze patterns across various settings and populations, taking regional differences and age structure into account. Through these efforts, we aim to generate evidence that strengthens preparedness for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and to support scientif ically grounded policy decisions.
- LABORATORY OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH
The Laboratory of Epidemiology and Global Health conducts epidemiological research and related operations at overseas f ield sites, focusing on respiratory infections, tropical diseases such as dengue fever, and emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Collaborative research with ministries of health and academic institutions in various countries is promoted to establish practical research networks. Through these activities, the collection of information on overseas infectious diseases and the accumulation of scientif ic evidence are facilitated. Furthermore, to support control measures against infectious diseases that pose public health challenges, international cooperation is provided through technical and expert support.
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