On November 30, 2023, Dr. Bao Shuming, Director of the Michigan China Data Center, was invited to conduct an online academic lecture titled "Spatial-temporal Health Research: Data, Methods, Technology, and Applications." The lecture was hosted by Professor Liu Guoen, Dean of the Institute for Global Health and Development at Peking University (PKU) and Boya Distinguished Professor at the PKU National School of Development. Over 100 guests attended the lecture and discussion online.
Dr. Bao's presentation focused on health-related research with a spatial-temporal framework. He delved into data sources, analytical methods, technology management, and specific application scenarios. He also elaborated from various perspectives such as data distribution, trend analysis, impact studies, and policy response analysis.
Dr. Bao first introduced recent advances made by his team in spatial-temporal health, focusing on research areas, directions, and emerging trends. He also made judgments on new trends in the field from data-focused, methodology, and technological perspectives. He emphasized the importance of visualization workflow analysis technology, highlighting its significance in reducing technical burdens and lowering project adjustment costs. Dr. Bao recommended the open-source software "KNIME" and showcased typical applications of the software.
Dr. Bao presented the most crucial elements of spatial-temporal health research, emphasizing the requirements of "reproducibility, replicability, and scalability." He also pointed out the necessity of infrastructure and tool development to meet these requirements. He provided detailed insights into research cases within this analytical framework and technological environment, such as healthcare accessibility analysis and healthcare burden prediction at spatial-temporal scales.
Dr. Bao's analysis offered new perspectives and ideas for exploration and development in spatial-temporal health research. He patiently addressed issues raised by attendees regarding topics such as information security, computing power, and data scarcity.
(Interpreted by Waverly Shi)
