Center in Latin America to monitor emerging infectious diseases
Official title: Latin American Center for Emerging Infectious Disease Research (LACER)
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11601582 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A U01 grant supporting a collaboration between Peruvian and U.S. researchers to improve early detection and surveillance of regionally relevant viruses that could affect people, animals, and crops in Peru and neighboring areas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $434,895 |
| NIH project number | 3U01AI190394-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11601582 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable (this grant does not enroll patients in a clinical trial; outcomes are population-level and outbreak-ready surveillance).
✕Less likely to help
Individuals in Peru or nearby regions may not directly participate in clinical activities; benefits are through public health improvements and preparedness.
What this research studies
This project brings together universities, government officials, and NGOs from Peru and the United States to create a regional surveillance network across diverse ecological zones in Peru. It focuses on viruses with potential to spill over from animals to humans, including arboviruses and other high-risk pathogens, especially as climate change and land use alter transmission. The team will map where known and unknown pathogens occur, build regional surveillance capabilities, and establish rapid response strategies to outbreaks. Community engagement and cross-border collaboration aim to strengthen outbreak readiness and protect public health. The work uses samples, field data, and collaborations with local authorities to prepare for future outbreaks that could affect people and animals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Improved ability to detect and respond to emerging infectious diseases in a key region, potentially reducing outbreak impact on communities and animals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous regional surveillance efforts have shown value in early detection and faster outbreak response, supporting the potential for impactful outcomes here.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morrison, Amy Celeste — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Morrison, Amy Celeste
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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.