The increasing availability of complex demographic, epidemiological, and biomedical data, together with advances in mathematical and statistical theory, has created new opportunities and challenges in modeling population dynamics, disease transmission, and health-related processes. Mathematical and statistical models play a crucial role in understanding, predicting, and controlling demographic and epidemiological phenomena, as well as in supporting evidence-based decision-making in public health and social policy.

This Special Issue aims to bring together high-quality original research that advances the theory, methodology, and application of mathematical and statistical modeling in demography, epidemiology, and biostatistics. We particularly welcome contributions that emphasize analytical and computational methods, data-driven modeling, and interdisciplinary approaches bridging mathematics and statistics with the social and health sciences. Applications to real data and theoretical approaches are equally welcome.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Mathematical models in population dynamics and demography;
• Epidemiological modeling of infectious and non-infectious diseases;
• Deterministic and stochastic models in epidemiology and biostatistics;
• Statistical inference and estimation for dynamic population models;
• Time-series, longitudinal, and survival analysis in demographic and health data;
• Spatial and spatio-temporal modeling in demography and epidemiology;
• Network-based and agent-based models of disease spread;
• Bayesian and machine learning approaches in various disciplines;
• Optimal control, optimization, and intervention strategies in public health;
• Advances in health economic evaluation;
• Uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis in demographic and epidemiological models;
• Model validation, identifiability, and data integration;
• Applications to real-world demographic, epidemiological, or biomedical datasets;
• Forecasting approaches demography, epidemiology, or (health) econometrics;
• Approaches in meta-analysis;
• Nowcast approaches for migration, disease monitoring, or other fields with limited data quality;
• Big data approaches for demography, epidemiology, and biostatistics.

Dr. Patrizio Vanella
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information here

June 29-30, 2026, Hertie School, Berlin

Contemporary societies are characterized by growing diversity in family forms and living arrangements, alongside profound demographic shifts, such as aging populations. Understanding the relationship between family diversity and its impact on various health outcomes throughout the life course is crucial for comprehending and addressing social and health disparities. Empirical research at the intersection of health research and family sociology is currently experiencing rapid expansion, partly due to the growing availability of rich register data that enables this type of research. This workshop aims to bring together scholars working on topics related to family diversity and health. Potential topics include, but are not restricted to:

• Family transitions (e.g., childbirth, divorce) and how they impact health outcomes
• Interrelation of health and family transitions across the life course
• Family transitions in old age (e.g., gray divorce, widowhood) and health
• Family diversity, health, and labor market transitions
• Family diversity, health, and retirement transitions
• Family dynamics and mortality

We seek insights from demography, sociology, epidemiology, psychology, political science, statistics (or related disciplines). Studies applying register data are particularly welcome, but the workshop is open to any data applications. The workshop will feature the presentation of a new register data product from the German Public Pension Insurance, which covers rich economic, family, and health data. Venue & time: The two-half-day workshop will take place on June 29-30, 2026, at the Hertie School, Friedrichstraße 180, 10117 Berlin. Start: 29-06 (ca. 2 p.m.), End: 30-06 (ca. 1 p.m.) Submissions: Please send abstract of max. one page to: kreyenfeld@hertie-school.org. Extended abstracts or full papers are, in addition, welcome. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2026. Authors will be notified about the acceptance by March 16, 2026. Participation fee & travel costs: There will be no participation fee for the event. For presenters, hotel costs (for one night) are covered by the organizers. Travel costs, however, are not reimbursed. For junior participants with limited financial resources, travel costs may be covered upon request. Please state in your application if you require financial support for travel.