New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (NEWVEC)
Official title: CK22-005 New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-11626683 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A center in New England will develop and test practical ways to prevent tick bites and reduce diseases from ticks, while training public health workers and engaging communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,400,000 |
| NIH project number | 6U01CK000661-05M001 |
| Project ID | NIH-11626683 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are residents of New England regions at risk for tick-borne diseases and communities seeking improved vector-control strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals in areas with minimal tick exposure or those not participating in community prevention efforts may not receive direct benefits.
What this research studies
NEWVEC brings together applied research on tick prevention, training for public health entomologists, and a community of practice to share best methods. The project will standardize how personal protection and control products are used in homes and workplaces and explore new ways to reduce vector bite risk. It also includes training programs to grow a skilled workforce to address vector-borne diseases and ongoing collaboration with local stakeholders to keep research relevant. Researchers will evaluate real-world methods and translate findings into actionable guidance for communities across the six New England states.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, people in New England could see fewer tick bites and Lyme disease cases through better prevention practices and evidence-based guidance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous vector-borne disease efforts show that community engagement and standardized prevention practices can reduce risk, though this center aims to enhance regional impact.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rich, Stephen M — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Rich, Stephen M
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.