Phylogenetic modeling of viral spread at the human-wildlife boundary in Uganda
Official title: Phylogenetic modeling of viral transmission dynamics at the human-wildlife interface in Uganda
Funded at George Mason University · NIH-11621885 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will use family tree methods to understand how viruses move between wildlife and people in Uganda to help anticipate and prevent outbreaks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Mason University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fairfax, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $687,521 |
| NIH project number | 7R01TW012704-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11621885 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people living in areas with close wildlife contact and researchers working with wildlife and community health data.
✕Less likely to help
People not involved in surveillance activities or without exposure to high-risk interfaces may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses evolutionary modeling to trace how viruses pass between animals and humans in a wildlife-rich area of Uganda. By analyzing transmission patterns and ecological factors, the team aims to identify high-risk interfaces and moments when spillover could occur. The work focuses on data from wildlife, human communities, and their environments to improve early warning and targeted surveillance. The insights could guide public-health actions to protect communities and reduce the impact of future outbreaks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could improve early detection and targeted prevention of zoonotic outbreaks, protecting communities from emerging viruses.
How similar studies have gone: Similar phylogenetic and Bayesian approaches have yielded valuable insights in prior zoonotic surveillance efforts, though applications at the human-wildlife interface are still expanding.
Where this research is happening
-
George Mason University
Fairfax, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Milich, Krista — George Mason University
- Study coordinator: Milich, Krista
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.