Creating a shared data resource for understanding disease spread in communities

Building a Harmonized Village Network Data Resource for Realistic Disease Transmission Models

['FUNDING_R21'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11094128

This study is creating a helpful database that collects information about how people in rural villages interact with each other, so researchers can better understand and predict how diseases spread in these communities, especially those that come from animals.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11094128 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research aims to develop a comprehensive data repository that captures network information from village and rural communities to improve disease transmission models. By leveraging community science, the project will compile and harmonize data from over 1,000 village networks, which includes information on contact patterns among individuals. This repository will facilitate easier access to diverse data for researchers, enabling more accurate simulations of disease spread, particularly in rural areas at risk of zoonotic outbreaks. The project emphasizes secure data sharing and aims to automate agreements for data use.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in rural or village communities who may be affected by zoonotic diseases.

Not a fit: Patients living in urban areas or those not connected to rural community networks may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate predictions of disease outbreaks, ultimately improving public health responses and prevention strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that community-based data collection can enhance the accuracy of disease modeling, indicating a promising approach for this project.

Where this research is happening

DURHAM, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.