Rate Professor Simon Firestone

Professional Summary: Professor Simon Firestone

Professor Simon Firestone is a distinguished academic and researcher at the University of Melbourne, Australia, with expertise in veterinary epidemiology and public health. His work focuses on the intersection of animal and human health, contributing significantly to the field of One Health through innovative research and teaching.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Firestone holds advanced degrees in veterinary science and epidemiology, equipping him with a robust foundation for his research and teaching career. Specific details of his degrees include:

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), University of Melbourne
• Master of Veterinary Studies (MVetStud) in Veterinary Epidemiology, Massey University, New Zealand
• PhD in Veterinary Epidemiology, University of Melbourne

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Firestone specializes in veterinary epidemiology, with a focus on infectious disease control, biosecurity, and the application of quantitative methods in public health. His research interests include:

• Epidemiology of zoonotic diseases
• One Health approaches to disease prevention
• Statistical modeling and risk analysis in animal health
• Emergency animal disease preparedness and response

Career History and Appointments

Professor Firestone has held several key academic and research positions, primarily at the University of Melbourne. His career trajectory includes:

• Associate Professor in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Melbourne (current role)
• Senior Lecturer, University of Melbourne
• Research Fellow, University of Melbourne

He is also affiliated with the Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, where he contributes to regional disease control initiatives.

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Firestone has been recognized for his contributions to veterinary science and epidemiology. Notable accolades include:

• Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Award for contributions to veterinary epidemiology
• Recognition for teaching excellence at the University of Melbourne

Key Publications

Professor Firestone has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in the field of veterinary epidemiology. Some of his key publications include:

• Firestone, S.M., et al. (2011). 'The importance of location in contact networks: Describing early epidemic spread using spatial social network analysis.' Preventive Veterinary Medicine.
• Firestone, S.M., et al. (2014). 'Reconstructing foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks: A methods comparison of transmission network models.' Scientific Reports.
• Firestone, S.M., et al. (2019). 'Applying Bayesian network modeling to understand the links between on-farm biosecurity practices and bovine respiratory disease.' Preventive Veterinary Medicine.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Firestone’s research has had a significant impact on the field of veterinary epidemiology, particularly in the development of quantitative tools for disease outbreak analysis and control. His work on zoonotic diseases and One Health initiatives has informed policy and practice in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, enhancing preparedness for emergency animal diseases. Additionally, his contributions to teaching have shaped the next generation of veterinary epidemiologists through innovative curriculum design and mentorship.

Public Lectures, Committee Roles, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Firestone is actively involved in the academic community, contributing through various roles and public engagements:

• Regular speaker at national and international conferences on veterinary epidemiology and One Health
• Member of advisory committees on animal health and biosecurity in Australia
• Reviewer for leading journals in veterinary science and epidemiology