Shared benchmarking specimens for human virome research
Official title: Developing Shared Benchmarking Specimens for HVP Research: Supplement to: The Oro-Respiratory-Gut Virome Axis over Space and Time - 1U54AG089323
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11529208 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at creating standard, well‑characterized samples to compare different virus-detection methods used in human virome research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $245,074 |
| NIH project number | 3U54AG089323-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11529208 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable; this grant is about standard materials and data methods for virome research rather than direct patient participation.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation is involved in this benchmarking effort.
What this research studies
This project provides standardized benchmarking specimens to harmonize results across centers studying the human virome. It focuses on understanding how different sequencing approaches and amplification methods bias the data, so researchers can compare results more reliably. By sharing a model community of quantified viruses, it helps labs calibrate their assays and integrate data from diverse methods, ultimately improving our map of human-associated viruses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve consistency and accuracy in virome studies, helping researchers better identify viruses related to health and disease.
How similar studies have gone: A validated model community of eight quantified viruses has already been shared with 11 labs, demonstrating feasibility and utility.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Collman, Ronald G — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Collman, Ronald G
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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.