A community initiative to track avian viruses in New York City

New York City Virus Hunters - A Community Science Initiative

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10927260

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10927260 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include middle and high school students, teachers, and community members interested in science and public health.

Not a fit: Patients who are not engaged in educational or community science initiatives may not receive direct benefits from this research.

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 performed: Similar community science initiatives have shown success in increasing public engagement and understanding of environmental health issues.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.