CDC https://www.cdc.gov, has launched the Center For Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics bringing together next-generation public health data, expert disease modelers, public health emergency responders, and high quality communications.
The goal is to help decision makers mitigate the effects of disease threats, prioritize equity, accessibility, and perform research on disease modeling.
The Center with Funding from the American Rescue Plan will:
- Predict: Undertake modeling and forecasting, enhance the ability to determine the foundational data sources needed, support research and innovation in outbreak analytics and science for real-time action, and establish appropriate forecasting horizons
- Connect: Expand broad capability for data sharing and integration, maximize interoperability with data standards, and utilize open-source software and application programming interface capabilities with existing and new data streams from the public
- Inform: Translate and communicate forecasts, connect with key decision-makers across sectors including government businesses, and non-profits, along with individuals with strong intergovernmental affairs and communication capacity for action
The leadership team will be charged with the development and implementation of a plan to establish the Center. The team includes Dr. Marc Lipsitch, Director for Science, Dr. Dylan George, PhD, Director for Operations, Dr. Caitlin Rivers, Associate Director, and Dr. Rebecca Kahn, Senior Scientist.
In addition to that news, CDC on August 16, 2021 issued their Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) with applications due October 19, 2021, titled Emerging Infections Sentinel Networks (EISN Research. The purpose of the NOFO is to provide $1, 300,000 in funding for Emerging Infections Sentinel Networks (EISN) research specifically within a Network of Emergency Departments (ED).
The networks will provide surveillance for Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) to help inform public health on healthcare decisions during public health emergencies and to address the disproportionate impact of EIDs on underserved and disadvantaged populations and improve information exchange.
Go to https://www,grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html for more information on the NOFO.