The network is part of the Models of Infectious Disease Agent Study (MIDAS), an ongoing NIGMS effort to use computer modeling techniques to better understand the spread of contagious diseases and the potential impact of public health measures. The results could aid health officials and policymakers in developing preparedness plans for outbreaks that occur naturally or deliberately.

The new research groups will receive a total of approximately $7.8 million over the next five years and will collaborate with four existing MIDAS teams established in 2004.

"The MIDAS network has already demonstrated the power of applying computer models to the study of disease spread and the effects of various intervention strategies," said Jeremy M. Berg, Ph.D., NIGMS director. "The new MIDAS teams expand the network's spectrum of expertise and enhance its ability to develop robust models."

In addition to the individual research projects described below, the new MIDAS teams will contribute to the network's pandemic influenza modeling project. This project involves simulating outbreaks of a deadly flu strain in different regions of the world and then evaluating the effects of various intervention measures, such as vaccination or school closures, on containing or slowing disease spread.

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Contact: Emily Carlson
carlsone@nigms.nih.gov
301-496-7301
NIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences
1-Feb-2006