Declan Bays has been working as a Mathematical Modeller at UKHSA since 2018. This work involves the application of mathematical methods to both inform preparedness for, and respond to, public health incidents – most recently including the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to this, Declan completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Mathematics at the University of Portsmouth and the University ofNottingham respectively. Declan also continues to pursue academic studies, currently researching topics in geometry at Cardiff University. Declan has been involved with the IMA since 2016, where he previously sat on the IMA’s Early Careers Mathematicians’ committee for a number of years and currently holds a position as an IMA Council Member.