Dr. Anderson has refined conventional mathematical models for viral and bacterial infections of childhood, and undertaken quantitative analyses of public immunization programs. He has also pioneered new models for hookworm in developing countries to help direct chemotherapeutic control. Most recently, he has combined population genetics with epidemiology, to illuminate evolutionary aspects of host-parasite associations. This work questions the currently accepted dogma that in general the endpoint of host parasite evolution is not necessarily an avirulent or harmless parasite. Roy Anderson's work is notable for the way the individual components of the mathematical models are grounded upon, and tested against, carefully designed laboratory and field experiments.
Every effort is made to make controlled tests of the conclusions emerging from the theory.
In this way, a detailed and confident understanding can be built, so that those models can be used as tools in the exploration of public health strategies, as well as providing basic understanding. The work of Roy Anderson and Robert May on a mathematical model predicting the epidemiology of the AIDS virus was recently reviewed in the journal, Science. The reviewer noted that the importance of Anderson and May's work lies in its new approach to the AIDS epidemic. Few need reminding any longer of the need to explore all avenues in our efforts to contain the AIDS virus. The significance of Anderson's work and his suitability for the David Starr Jordan Prize are best summed up in a letter which the committee received from Sir Richard Southwood of Oxford University.