Academic portfolio Dhaka, Bangladesh

Arifa Tabassum

  • Statistician
  • Public Health Researcher
  • Prospective PhD Applicant

I am a statistician at the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) in Bangladesh. With graduate training in statistics and six peer-reviewed publications, my research spans infectious disease surveillance, environmental health, and population health. My current work contributes to the development and evaluation of methods for climate-informed disease forecasting.

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Portrait of Arifa Tabassum
Arifa TabassumStatistician, IEDCR
Current appointment
Statistician, IEDCR
Graduate training
MSc in Statistics
Peer-reviewed work
6 journal articles

01 / Background

About me

My MSc and BSc in Statistics at Jahangirnagar University gave me a foundation in statistical modeling and inference. I used structural equation modeling in my master’s thesis on cervical pain severity and compared count-data models for torrential rainfall in my undergraduate research.

My work at icddr,b, BBC Media Action Bangladesh, and the Directorate General of Health Services has included analysis of survey and health-facility data, data quality assurance, and communication of research findings. At IEDCR, I now work on integrating disease and climate data and assessing forecasts for public health preparedness.

I have coauthored publications on spatial patterns of infectious disease, COVID-19 data and mental health, and population health. I also teach biostatistics as an adjunct lecturer at Ad-din Women’s Medical College. I am seeking funded PhD opportunities in statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, and public health data science.

02 / Research portfolio

Research and implementation

Eight projects spanning infectious disease forecasting, environmental health, and health services in Bangladesh.

Featured project · IEDCR

Climate-Informed Early Warning System for Climate-Sensitive Diseases in Bangladesh

The GFATM Climate Change and Health Project supports Bangladesh’s first climate-sensitive disease early warning system. CI-EWS/EWARS brings together disease surveillance and meteorological information to support preparedness for dengue, malaria, and acute watery diarrhoea (AWD).

My contribution

  • Prepare and validate disease and weather datasets, harmonize geographic and time identifiers, and integrate epidemiological, meteorological, geographic, and population data.
  • Assess count-data and nonlinear forecasts, including negative-binomial generalized additive models, seasonal splines, autoregressive case terms, and distributed climate lags.
  • Contribute to validation and interpretation of forecast accuracy, uncertainty, and usefulness for epidemic preparedness.

Model evaluation and public health use

  • Contribute to evaluation of SPECTRA (GAN) and LightGBM, and investigate probabilistic forecasting, deep-learning, comparative, and ensemble approaches.
  • Help translate forecast and surveillance findings into early warning information. Prepare weekly dengue reports and coordinate national updates with the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
  • Coordinate technical teams, workshops, and demonstrations, and support data sharing with the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and other partners.
  • Infectious disease modeling
  • Epidemiological forecasting
  • Climate and health
  • Model evaluation

Project milestones

Arifa Tabassum with colleagues beside the EWARS Dashboard Bangladesh launch banner
EWARS Bangladesh dashboard launchIEDCR, Dhaka · 5 November 2025
Arifa Tabassum at a lectern beside a slide showing five stages of the early warning process
CI-EWARS project disseminationPresenting the workflow from disease reporting to early action
Workshop and working group photos
Workshop participants standing in front of the climate-sensitive disease situational analysis banner
Workshop on climate-sensitive diseasesSituational analysis workshop at IEDCR · 29 April 2025
Meeting participants beside the Technical Working Group banner at IEDCR
Technical Working Group meetingIEDCR, Mohakhali, Dhaka

Additional research projects

Expand each project to read its research context and objectives. See Academic Experience for my documented responsibilities in research, data management, and statistical analysis.

Drinking-water salinity and NCD services in coastal Bangladesh

This formative study examined the linked challenges of drinking-water salinity and noncommunicable disease (NCD) care in selected coastal communities in Bangladesh.

It sought to identify ways to reduce salinity exposure through drinking water and strengthen NCD services for those communities.

Water-salinity adaptation and hypertension control

This environmental health study focused on salinity exposure and hypertension in coastal Bangladesh.

Its objective was to assess whether strategies for adapting to water salinity could improve hypertension control.

Pediatric NCD service model

The project addressed how primary healthcare facilities in Bangladesh could provide NCD services to children and adolescents.

Its aim was to design and pilot a service model for pediatric NCD care at the primary care level.

Dementia prevalence in urban and rural Bangladesh

This population health study focused on dementia among older adults living in urban and rural communities.

The objective was to estimate dementia prevalence in both settings and describe its population burden.

Baseline for a community-based randomized controlled trial

The community-based trial examined unconditional cash transfers and mobile behavior-change communications in two subdistricts of Bangladesh.

The baseline research documented conditions before the interventions, providing a reference for the trial’s evaluation.

Digitalization of noncommunicable disease services

This project combined research and implementation to explore digital approaches in noncommunicable disease services. Its focus was how digitalization could support service delivery.

ProNurse Project

Empowering Women through the Professionalization of the Nursing Sector in Bangladesh (ProNurse) focused on the nursing workforce.

Its objective was to support women’s empowerment through professionalization in the nursing sector.

03 / Quantitative methods

Statistical and Computational Expertise

Methods applied in academic and professional research, alongside approaches I am evaluating in current forecasting work.

A / Applied methods

Statistical modeling and inference

Linear, logistic, and multilevel regression and sensitivity analysis for survey and health research. Structural equation modeling for my MSc thesis, and Poisson, zero-inflated Poisson, and zero-inflated generalized Poisson regression for undergraduate rainfall research.

B / Applied methods

Longitudinal and spatial analysis

Longitudinal analysis of health outcomes, spatial statistical analysis of infectious disease, and assessment of geographic heterogeneity. Experience analyzing population and health-facility data and linking survey and GPS data for mapping.

C / Current research

Epidemiological and predictive modeling

Applied in model assessment: negative-binomial GAMs, seasonal spline modeling, autoregressive case terms, distributed climate-lag analysis, and predictive model validation.

Evaluation and exploration: SPECTRA (GAN), LightGBM, probabilistic forecasting, and comparative and ensemble modeling.

D / Research software

Statistical programming and data systems

Analysis and mapping: R, Stata, SPSS, and QGIS.

Data collection and management: KoboToolbox, SurveyCTO, and REDCap. Familiarity with HMIS/DHIS2 and health-facility data systems.

04 / Scholarly work

Publications

Peer-reviewed journal articles, listed by year.

  1. Identifying factors of spatial heterogeneity in COVID-19 incidence for Dhaka Division, Bangladesh

    Azizur Rahman, Arifa Tabassum, Nujhat Tabassum, and Mariam Akter.

    Jahangirnagar University Journal of Science, 44(1), 47–66. Article PDF

  2. Mind the gap: Data availability, accessibility, transparency, and credibility during the COVID-19 pandemic, an international comparative appraisal

    Arianna Rotulo, Elias Kondilis, Thaint Thwe, Sanju Gautam, Özgün Torcu, Maira Vera-Montoya, Sharika Marjan, Md. Ismail Gazi, Alifa Syamantha Putri, Rubyath Binte Hasan, Fabia Hannan Mone, Kenya Rodríguez-Castillo, Arifa Tabassum, Zoi Parcharidi, Beverly Sharma, Fahmida Islam, Babatunde Amoo, Lea Lemke, and Valentina Gallo.

    PLOS Global Public Health, 3(4), e0001148. DOI 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001148

  3. Job insecurity and mental health related outcomes among the humanitarian workers during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

    Naznin Sultana, Md. Asaduzzaman, Abu Bakkar Siddique, Hafeza Khatun, Farzana Sultana Bari, Md. Nazrul Islam, Arifa Tabassum, Abdus Salam Mondol, Md. Abu Sayem, Abu Yousuf Md Abdullah, M. Pear Hossain, and Emmanuel Biracyaza.

    BMC Psychology, 10, article 265. DOI 10.1186/s40359-022-00974-7

  4. Fitting Spatial Joint Model for U.S Regional Influenza-like Illness (ILINet) Data Set

    Azizur Rahman, Arifa Tabassum, and Mariam Akter.

    Pure and Applied Mathematics Journal, 10(6), 127–138. DOI 10.11648/j.pamj.20211006.12

  5. Impact of Gender and Parent Advice on Longitudinal Change in Children’s Mental Health Condition

    Rahman, A., Tabassum, A., and Akter, M.

    International Journal of Statistics and Economics, 22(2), 56–67.

  6. Model to assess the factors of 10-year future risk of coronary heart disease among people of Framingham, Massachusetts

    Azizur Rahman and Arifa Tabassum.

    International Journal of Public Health Science, 9(3), 259–266. DOI 10.11591/ijphs.v9i3.20469

Manuscripts under review

Submitted manuscript · 2026

A Multimethod Analysis of Antifungal Susceptibility among Pediatric ICU Patients in Bangladesh

Sarker, M. F. R., Akter, R., Rahman, W., Juyee, N. A., Tabassum, A., Mazhar, I., Nigar, I., and Sattar, A. N. I.

Submitted to International Journal of Infectious Diseases. Publication status: unpublished.

05 / Education and appointments

Academic Experience

Education

Academic session 2018–2019

Master of Science in Statistics

Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh

3.80 / 4.00 CGPA · 4th position

Thesis: “A structural equation modeling for detecting the pain severity of the patients with cervical pain: A case study on Center for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed, Bangladesh.”

Applied structural equation modeling to assess pain severity in a clinical setting.

Supervisor: Dr. Md. Forhad Hossain

Academic session 2017–2018

Bachelor of Science in Statistics

Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh

3.68 / 4.00 CGPA · 5th position

Research report: “Comparison of Poisson (POI), Zero-Inflated Poisson (ZIP) and Zero-Inflated Generalized Poisson (ZIGP) model for the Torrential Rainfall in Bangladesh.”

Compared count-data models, including models that account for excess zeros.

Supervisor: Dr. Azizur Rahman

Professional research experience

  1. Mar 2025–present

    Statistician

    Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Bangladesh

    Prepare and harmonize disease and climate data, evaluate forecasting approaches, and interpret model outputs for epidemic preparedness. Prepare weekly dengue reports and national updates in coordination with PHEOC. Coordinate technical teams, stakeholder consultations, and training, and prepare proposals, briefings, and official communications on implementation and data sharing.

  2. Dec 2023–Nov 2024

    Statistical Officer

    International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b)

    Managed NIHR-linked health-facility and survey data workflows from entry and validation through analysis. Applied linear, logistic, and multilevel regression, sensitivity analysis, and spatial analysis. Used GPS data and QGIS to communicate geographic patterns, prepared manuscripts and reports, and trained field teams in data collection and quality procedures.

  3. May–Nov 2023

    Statistical Analyst

    BBC Media Action Bangladesh

    Cleaned and analyzed large research datasets, maintained data quality, and worked with researchers to interpret and communicate findings to stakeholders.

  4. Nov 2021–Jan 2023

    Research Assistant

    International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b)

    Supported protocols, survey instruments, fieldwork, data management, quality assurance, statistical analysis, reports, and action plans. Coordinated with national and international collaborators.

  5. Jul–Oct 2021

    Research Assistant

    Management Information System, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS)

    Supported statistical analysis and manuscript preparation across projects and contributed to data accuracy and quality control for the COVID-19 dashboard.

Teaching, academic appointments, and internships

  1. Nov–Dec 2025
    Nov 2026–present

    Adjunct Lecturer in Biostatistics

    Ad-din Women’s Medical College, Maghbazar, Dhaka

  2. Apr–Jun 2021

    Research Intern (Statistics)

    Binary Data Lab, Dhaka

  3. May 2019–Feb 2021

    Research Assistant to Prof. Dr. Azizur Rahman

    Department of Statistics and Data Science, Jahangirnagar University

06 / Academic recognition

Awards, Fellowships & Academic Achievements

2019–2020

National Science and Technology (NST) Fellowship

Ministry of Science & Technology, Bangladesh

Jahangirnagar University

University Merit-Based Scholarship

Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

4th MSc in Statistics 3.80 / 4.00 CGPA

5th BSc in Statistics 3.68 / 4.00 CGPA

07 / Conferences

Conference Presentations

  1. Poster presented · 2026

    Evaluating the linkage between disease forecasts, alerts, and public health action in Bangladesh’s Climate-Informed Early Warning System (CI-EWS)

    Tabassum, A., et al. · 2nd Bangladesh FETP Conference, IEDCR, Dhaka · Abstract 66

    Arifa Tabassum beside her CI-EWS research poster at the Bangladesh FETP Conference
    Bangladesh FETP ConferencePoster on disease forecasts, alerts, and public health action · 2026

  2. Oral presentation · 2026

    Operationalizing climate-informed disease forecasting: A probabilistic deep learning early warning system at national scale

    Tabassum, A., et al. · CEDAAH 2026, IWFM-BUET, Dhaka · Abstract A2026032

    Arifa Tabassum speaking at the CEDAAH conference lectern
    CEDAAH 2026Presenting research on climate-informed disease forecasting

  3. Accepted poster · 2025

    Signals to safety: EWARS for health emergencies—present realities and future directions

    Sarker, M. F. R., Tabassum, A., Sarkar, S., Chowdhury, M. S. R., Mahmood, A. S., and Shirin, T. · Annual Epidemiological Conference, IEDCR · Conference was not held.

08 / Academic service

Training and Academic Activities

Professional appointments and memberships
  • Focal Person, Data Management and Statistical Analysis, NIHR Project, The George Institute for Global Health.
  • Member, NIHR Project, The George Institute for Global Health.
  • Member, The Global Health Network (TGHN).
Professional training
  • Fundamentals of Economic Evaluation · The George Institute for Global Health · Jul–Oct 2024
  • Introduction to Research Ethics and Protocol Development · NRD, icddr,b · 7 Oct 2024
  • Exploratory Data Analysis · NIHR / The George Institute for Global Health · Apr–Jul 2024
  • Understanding the Bangladesh Health Facility Survey and Merging and Mapping with the BDHS · Data for Impact · 4–8 Dec 2022
  • Introduction to Longitudinal Data Analysis · Data for Impact · 31 Jul–4 Aug 2022
  • Understanding Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) Data · Data for Impact · 8–12 May 2022
Workshops and conferences
  • 2nd Bangladesh Field Epidemiology Training Program Conference · IEDCR, Dhaka · 20–21 Sep 2026
  • International Conference on Climate Extremes, Disasters, Anticipatory Action and Human Health (CEDAAH 2026) · IWFM-BUET and Save the Children Bangladesh · 8–9 Apr 2026
  • Sustainable Health Summer School · University of Groningen
  • International Conference on Science and Technology for Celebrating the Birth Centenary of Bangabandhu (ICSTB 2021) · BCSIR, Dhaka · 11–13 Mar 2021
  • Statistics Fiesta International Conference · Statistics LEAD Club, Jahangirnagar University · Oct 2017
Leadership and community engagement
  • Women Affairs Secretary, Bangladesh Data Science Society (BDSS).
  • Founding Member, Statistics LEAD Club, Department of Statistics and Data Science, Jahangirnagar University.
  • Former Vice President, Anandan Cultural Organization, Jahangirnagar University, 2017–2018.
  • Volunteer, Green Survivors Bangladesh, supporting education for underprivileged children.

09 / Curriculum vitae

Academic CV

The complete three-page CV covers my training in statistics, research and teaching appointments, projects, publications, conference presentations, and academic activities.

Download Academic CV (PDF) View CV Online
Academic research profile and education excerpt from the first page of the CV
Page 1 excerpt · Research profile and education

10 / Correspondence

Contact

I welcome correspondence about PhD supervision and research collaboration in statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, and public health data science.

Email Arifa