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Alessandro Vespignani
Sternberg Distinguished Professor of Physics, Computer Science and Health Sciences

Alessandro Vespignani in the Press

Alessandro Vespignani for Northeastern Global News

The interaction between humans and artificial intelligence demands a new field of study, Northeastern researchers say
Portraits of Northeastern professors Albert-László Barabási, Tina Eliassi-Rad, Alessandro Vespignani and Ricardo Baeza-Yates.

The interaction between humans and artificial intelligence demands a new field of study, Northeastern researchers say

“Human AI Coevolution” investigates how humans and AI algorithms continuously influence each other,” Alessandro Vespignani says.
‘Italian National Day’ event at Northeastern celebrates the 78th anniversary of democracy in Italy
People in Italian regalia throwing flags up in the air outside of the EXP building.

‘Italian National Day’ event at Northeastern celebrates the 78th anniversary of democracy in Italy

Festa Della Repubblica marked the 78th anniversary of the Italian republic with an evening showcasing highlights of the nation.
What should stay open during the next pandemic? New model weighs protecting public health and the economy
Silhouette of a worker on the framework of a battery plant.

What should stay open during the next pandemic? New model weighs protecting public health and the economy

Researchers say shutting down some non-customer-facing industries hurts the economy more than the public health benefits gained.
Northeastern receives $17.5 million from CDC to launch infectious disease prediction center
Alessandro Vespignani sitting at a desk looking at a laptop.

Northeastern receives $17.5 million from CDC to launch infectious disease prediction center

Renowned network scientist Alessandro Vespignani will head a new innovation center that will prepare the United States for future epidemics.
Network Science Institute expansion to London creates new European hub for trailblazing academic field
Alessandro Vespignani teaching a class

Network Science Institute expansion to London creates new European hub for trailblazing academic field

Northeastern brings its hallmark network science program to its UK campus to amplify its global approach to complex contemporary challenges.
Northeastern professor wins prestigious award for her work on the ethics of artificial intelligence
Head shot of Tina Eliassi-Rad.

Northeastern professor wins prestigious award for her work on the ethics of artificial intelligence

Professor Tina Eliassi-Rad wins prestigious Lagrange Prize in Turin for her work on the ethical concerns of AI.
More than 50% of COVID-19 deaths could have been prevented with better global vaccine distribution 
covid vaccines labeled with numbers

More than 50% of COVID-19 deaths could have been prevented with better global vaccine distribution 

New research paper by Alessandro Vespignani says better COVID-19 vaccine access could have prevented more than 50% of coronavirus deaths.
Flu season is coming and COVID-19 is still here. Can disease forecasts tell them apart?

Flu season is coming and COVID-19 is still here. Can disease forecasts tell them apart?

Both viruses attack the respiratory system and can have similar symptoms. “Something like this is completely unprecedented,” says Alessandro Vespignani, who directs Northeastern’s Network Science Institute. “Having a major pandemic and then trying to get insight on the seasonal flu—it’s a completely new game.”
If rich countries monopolize COVID-19 vaccines, it could cause twice as many deaths as distributing them equally

If rich countries monopolize COVID-19 vaccines, it could cause twice as many deaths as distributing them equally

Researchers from Northeastern’s Network Science Institute have partnered with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to predict COVID-19 deaths based on two different ways of distributing vaccines.
How network science models can predict the next stages of the COVID-19 pandemic

How network science models can predict the next stages of the COVID-19 pandemic

On Thursday, Joseph E. Aoun, president of Northeastern, joined Alessandro Vespignani, who directs the Network Science Institute, to discuss where we are now in the COVID-19 crisis, where we’re headed, and what policymakers can do to prepare for the next pandemic.