Modeling virus pandemics in a globally connected world a challenge towards a mathematics for living systems

Abstract

This editorial paper presents the papers published in a special issue devoted to the modeling and simulation of mutating virus pandemics in a globally connected world. The presentation is proposed in three parts. First, motivations and objectives are presented according to the idea that mathematical models should go beyond deterministic population dynamics by considering the multiscale, heterogeneous features of the complex system under consideration. Subsequently, the contents of the papers in this issue are presented referring to the aforementioned complexity features. Finally, a critical analysis of the overall contents of the issue is proposed, with the aim of providing a forward look to research perspectives.