Modelling the Undead: Zombies and Health

31 October, 7:00 pm
Simulation Game & Talk
Modelling the Undead: Zombies and Health
Saturday 31 October 2026
Explore how health systems respond to disease outbreaks through an interactive simulation grounded in real-world epidemiology. Assume the role of a government official, military strategist, healthcare leader or politician as you navigate a fictional zombie outbreak, making decisions that shape how the zombies spread, resources are allocated, and lives are saved.
Discover the modelling principles that guide real-world public health decisions — from pandemics to medicines development — and understand why evidence-based decision-making matters for society. With Phil McEwan, Cerys Mitchell and Thomas Padgett from HEOR.
Followed by a drinks reception to close the Festival.
Ticketing: Pay What You Decide (PWYD)
Event format: SIMULATION GAME & TALK
Event duration: 2 hours
Age: Teenage, Adult
Event start: 7pm
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IF Oxford uses Pay What You Decide (PWYD) ticketing, which means you can choose to pay whatever you want — or can afford. You can make your donation during booking, at the event, or afterwards. Please note that there is a free ticket option for this event.
We suggest a donation of £7.50. If even half of IF Oxford’s visitors gave that, the charity could plan next year’s community science and ideas Festival with confidence. If you decide another amount works better for you, please give that instead — every contribution helps keep the Festival free at the point of entry for everyone who needs it to be — the most important thing is that we can all enjoy a good Festival together, thank you.
All ticket options offer the same access. The contribution associated with this ticket is considered a donation in support of the Festival. Please choose the amount that feels right for you.
Please arrive at least ten minutes before the start. Unclaimed places are released at the start to people waiting at the door, and entry may be refused once the event has begun.
If you do not have a ticket, it is worth coming along — booked-up events often have space on the day.
Ages are a guide only, under-16s to be accompanied by a responsible adult.
The Festival reserves the right to modify event formats and manage the audience in accordance with the Festival’s Attendance Policy:
if-oxford.com/attendance-policy
IF Oxford is run by The Oxfordshire Science Festival (charity #1151361). Any voluntary donation you make may be eligible for Gift Aid, where a charity can claim back an extra 25% of your donation at no cost to you:
if-oxford.com/donate/