Understanding human viromes and their ethical implications
Official title: VAST Center: Viromes Across Space(s) and Time
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10990426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about understanding the viruses that live in our bodies and how they affect health, especially for indigenous communities in the Northern Plains, and it aims to work together with these communities to create fair and respectful ways to share information and improve research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $209,448 |
| NIH project number | 1U54AG089334-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990426 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include members of indigenous communities and other marginalized groups concerned about virome research and data sharing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not part of marginalized communities or who do not have an interest in virome research may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the human virome, focusing on its implications in clinical and public health contexts, particularly for marginalized communities. It aims to engage with indigenous populations in the US Northern Plains to co-develop best practices for ethical data sharing and research. The project will conduct focus groups with virome scientists and community members to gather insights and develop educational materials that address biases and underrepresentation in virome research. By fostering meaningful engagement and ethical reflection, the research seeks to enhance trust and equality in virome science.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of human viromes, benefiting public health and clinical practices.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of engaging marginalized communities in virome research is innovative, similar ethical frameworks have shown promise in other areas of public health research.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Melo-Martin, Inmaculada — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: De Melo-Martin, Inmaculada
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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.