AI-powered math and machine learning for bioscience and drug discovery
Official title: Discovery-Driven Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence for Biosciences and Drug Discovery
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11577889 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A broad NIH grant supports using advanced math and AI to better predict viral variants and aid drug discovery, with the goal of helping patients by accelerating pandemic response.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $373,619 |
| NIH project number | 7R35GM148196-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11577889 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
No specific patient enrollment is described; this grant is focused on computational methods and preclinical drug discovery.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient participation is not described; benefits may be indirect through faster drug development.
What this research studies
This grant backs a project at the University of Georgia that combines sophisticated math with artificial intelligence to improve bioscience tools and drug design. The work focuses on understanding how viruses like SARS‑CoV‑2 evolve and on building AI systems that can forecast new variants and guide drug development. By integrating genome information with mathematical models, the team aims to create AI platforms that could speed up identifying treatments and vaccines. The approach builds on prior successes in predicting mutation sites and participating in global drug-design challenges. If successful, it could shorten the time from viral emergence to effective medical countermeasures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could speed the discovery of antiviral drugs and improve preparedness for future variants, potentially reducing illness and saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown promise in forecasting viral mutations and aiding drug design, with recognition in international drug-design challenges.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wei, Guowei — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Wei, Guowei
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
BRD4 and NIPBL work together to control facial bone development
A study in mice and cell models will explore how BRD4 and NIPBL work together to control how genes are turned on in facial development, which could clarify causes of craniofacial disorders.
-
Sulfated glycosaminoglycan hydrogels to protect brain volume after traumatic injury
A new implantable gel made from specially sulfated sugars may help prevent brain shrinkage and improve function after a serious brain injury.
-
Understanding how Kaposi’s sarcoma virus switches on late genes during infection
Scientists are studying how the virus causing Kaposi’s sarcoma turns on late genes when its DNA copies itself, which could reveal new ways to treat cancer in people with AIDS.
-
Understanding how cells control signals and adhesion with the secretory pathway
A funded NIH project looks at how the cell’s secretory system shapes signals, receptors, and attachment to the outside of the cell, which can influence many human diseases.
-
AI-driven platform to predict vaccine-escape variants and design mutation-proof antibodies
An AI-powered approach aims to anticipate SARS-CoV-2 variants that may dodge vaccines and to create antibodies that stay effective.
-
How HIV puts its RNA together and how to block it
Researchers are studying how HIV packages its genetic material, with the goal of finding new ways to stop the virus from assembling and spreading.
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.