A community initiative to track avian viruses in New York City
Official title: New York City Virus Hunters - A Community Science Initiative
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10927260 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project invites students, teachers, and community members to help track bird viruses like influenza by studying bird droppings in cities, giving everyone a chance to learn about how nature and our health are connected while contributing to important public health information.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $265,309 |
| NIH project number | 5R25GM150146-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10927260 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include middle and high school students, teachers, and community members interested in science and public health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not engaged in educational or community science initiatives may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This initiative engages students, teachers, and community members in a large-scale project to monitor avian viruses, such as influenza and Newcastle disease, by analyzing bird droppings in urban environments. Participants will receive training and resources to understand the relationship between natural ecosystems and human health, fostering a hands-on approach to science. The program aims to enhance scientific literacy and interest among participants while contributing valuable data to public health efforts. Collaboration with leading virology experts ensures that participants are equipped with modern viral surveillance techniques.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance public health awareness and improve understanding of avian viruses, potentially leading to better prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Similar community science initiatives have shown success in increasing public engagement and understanding of environmental health issues.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krammer, Florian — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Krammer, Florian
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.