If you develop a good epidemiological model – and by that I mean an honest model, with rigorous methodology, that you can refine and validate, and go back to the drawing board if necessary, one that’s going to be useful for the countries affected by the diseases – that brings you back to the center of things. Yes, publishing papers is important, getting grants is important, but if the models are useful – this is the main motivation. A good model is a tool that can actually be used to help program managers and communities that are affected by neglected tropical disease understand the important issues and make programmatic decisions. (read entire interview)