CDC Funds Universities and Centers for Pandemic Prediction and Response

Northeastern University has been awarded $17.5 million by the CDC to establish a center focused on predicting and preparing for future outbreaks of infectious diseases, particularly in rural areas. The project, called "EPISTORM: The Center for Advanced Epidemic Analytics and Predictive Modeling Technology," will be led by Alessandro Vespignani, director of Northeastern's Network Science Institute. The center will develop algorithms that utilize various data sources, including hospital admissions, wastewater surveillance, social media, and travel patterns, to forecast the spread of infections. Northeastern University will collaborate with 10 research institutions, healthcare systems, and private companies to enhance epidemic preparedness.