Using digital replicas of neighborhoods to study health inequalities in mid-life.
Official title: Digital Twin Neighborhoods for Research on Place-Based Health Inequalities in Mid-Life
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11004083 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how virtual models of neighborhoods can help us understand and tackle health issues that affect vulnerable communities, so that everyone can have a fair chance at better health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $572,788 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG080486-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004083 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds and those with low socioeconomic status who are affected by health inequalities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience health disparities or are not part of the targeted vulnerable groups may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how digital replicas of neighborhoods, known as Digital Twin Neighborhoods, can help understand and address health inequalities faced by vulnerable populations. By integrating biological, social, and geographic data, the project aims to empower community members and health leaders to develop and implement strategies that promote health equity. The approach focuses on using evidence from these digital models to inform health policies and practices, ultimately aiming to reduce disparities in health outcomes. Community engagement and privacy are prioritized in the construction and evaluation of these digital neighborhoods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective health strategies that reduce health disparities among vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using digital models to address health disparities, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dalton, Jarrod — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Dalton, Jarrod
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.