The International Microsimulation Association (IMA), in collaboration with the Centre for Microsimulation and Policy Analysis (CeMPA); the Institute for Employment Research (IAB); the Luxembourg Institute for Social and Economic Research (LISER); the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM); and the Urban Institute are pleased to announce a call for papers for an online conference in late November 2020 on microsimulation modelling of policy responses to COVID-19.

The aim of this online conference is to share methods on modelling policy responses to COVID-19. By sharing the methods being used internationally, researchers can learn from one another to help other countries understand better the impacts of COVID and the shut-down on their country, and what policies might best help in the recovery.

To allow researchers the time to do any modelling, the cut-off for abstract submissions is September 30th. An expert group will then quickly select abstracts so that the authors have some time to finalise their modelling before the conference in late November. The online conference will be recorded so that those who have conflicting time-zones, can watch it after. Questions will be handled through an online system so they can be asked after each presentation. Where possible, sharing of code will also be encouraged, but is not essential due to IP requirements.

Papers can be submitted into three areas plus one catch all for other submissions. These areas are:
• Economics
• Social
• Health
• Other