OR

Browse By

Dr Behzad Kiani

Research Fellow

UQ Centre for Clinical Research
Faculty of Medicine
b.kiani@uq.edu.au

Overview

Dr. Behzad Kiani is a dedicated researcher specialising in spatial epidemiology of infectious diseases and human health, with a keen interest in advancing methodologies and applications within the field. Dr Kiani is currently a Research Fellow within UQ's ODeSI team. Previously, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Montreal, Canada and before that an Assistant Professor at Mashhad University of Medical Science in Iran.

Dr. Kiani's research expertise is geoinformatics using spatial regression models and spatial cluster analysis. He has a PhD in medical informatics and a Master's degree in computer science. His work has informed global public policy and making, including urban planning and health, health resource allocation and identifying high-risk areas for different diseases at specific locations over time to implement more efficient and effective health interventions. He is a member of the executive of the International Society of Geospatial Health and is an associate editor of the Geospatial Health Journal. Dr Kiani has over 70 scientific publications in high-impact journals, including seminal work related to identify high-risk spatiotemporal patterns of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran and gentrification, neighborhood socioeconomic factors and urban vegetation inequities in Canada". He is an accomplished and passionate teacher, as well as supervisor and dedicated to nurturing the next generation of spatial epidemiologists and instilling in them a deep understanding of the field's principles and applications to improve global health.

Research Interests

  • Comparing spatial epidemiology models to investigate health outcomes
    Comparative analysis of spatial epidemiology models. Evaluation of efficacy and predictive accuracy of spatial epidemiology models. Spatial regression modeling and geoinformatics. Understanding disease patterns, risk factors, and health disparities.
  • Gentrification and human health
    Exploration of gentrification's impact on human health through spatial epidemiology. Investigation of socio-economic shifts, housing policies, and public health outcomes. Contribution to evidence-based policies for equitable health outcomes amidst urban development.
  • Effect of environmental and socioeconomic factors on human health
    Investigation of how climate patterns, built environments, and socioeconomic conditions influence population health outcomes.

Research Impacts

I conducted extensive research in Iran aimed at identifying high-risk areas for both communicable and non-communicable diseases. This research played a pivotal role in assisting policymakers in the efficient allocation of health resources across various geographical regions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, my research significantly contributed to the formulation of informed quarantine policies and the prioritization of COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

My research in Canada through meticulous analyses of cycling infrastructure expansions, urban vegetation increases, and the temporal dynamics of gentrification sheds light on crucial aspects of urban planning and social equity. By uncovering disparities in the distribution of cycling infrastructure and urban vegetation, particularly in areas characterized by material deprivation, visible minorities, and gentrification, the findings underscore the importance of prioritizing equitable access to resources and amenities across diverse communities. Importantly, the research highlights the need for informed, equity-based urban planning policies that consider the complex interplay of sociodemographic dynamics and infrastructure investments. By integrating these insights into decision-making processes and engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, cities can strive towards creating more inclusive, sustainable, and healthy urban environments for all residents.

Publications

View all Publications

Publications

Journal Article

Conference Publication

  • Measuring spatial accessibility to healthcare facilities in Isfahan metropolitan area in Iran

    Rabiei-Dastjerdi, H., Mohammadi, S., Samouei, R., Kazemi, M., Matthews, S., McArdle, G., Homayouni, S., Kiani, B. and Sadeghi, R. (2023). Measuring spatial accessibility to healthcare facilities in Isfahan metropolitan area in Iran. oint 6th Sensors and Models in Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, SMPR 2023 and 4th Geospatial Information Research, GIResearch 2022 Conferences, Online, 19 - 22 February 2023. Goettingen, Germany: Copernicus Publications. doi: 10.5194/isprs-annals-x-4-w1-2022-623-2023

This staff member is a UQ Expert for media.

They are happy to lend their expertise to your articles or broadcasts and share their research discoveries and insights with the community via media channels.

For additional assistance with story ideas, general advice and information or help with seeking further experts, please email the UQ Media Team or telephone (07) 3365 1120.

Links

ResearcherID: O-4853-2019

ORCID: 0000-0002-8816-328X

Scopus ID: 57194208671

Google Scholar ID: MOvV__4AAAAJ

Personal Profile: Link

Unit Links
Other Media
Social Media

Related Resources

Similar Staff
Researchers in Associated Units