Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Applied Studies (IDEAS) initiative

A year of movement and progress

In response to the escalating threat posed by infectious diseases, particularly highlighted by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences (DPPHS) has spearheaded the establishment of the Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Applied Studies (IDEAS) initiative. This initiative is a pivotal step towards addressing critical gaps in infectious disease research and public health intervention. Drs. Jeffrey Klausner and Jennifer Unger, with support from Dr. Frank Gilliland, lead the IDEAS Initiative, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to address the complex challenges posed by infectious diseases.

At the core of the IDEAS initiative is a dynamic hub envisioned for interdisciplinary collaboration, research innovation, and training excellence. Born from the Department's acknowledgment of the urgent necessity for a centralized platform to combat infectious diseases, this hub is primed to evolve into a focal point for cutting-edge research and public health interventions.

Central to the IDEAS Initiative’s mission is its commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange through a monthly seminar series. These seminars, designed in a hybrid format to accommodate both in-person and virtual attendance, have already attracted 19 esteemed speakers since their inception on November 30, 2023. The upcoming seminar on March 19th, featuring Dr. Scott Weaver, will delve into the emergence of urban arboviral diseases, including Chikungunya, Zika, Dengue, and Yellow Fever.

Moreover, the IDEAS initiative recently submitted a CDC Proposal (RFA-IP-24-045) aimed at enhancing respiratory disease surveillance and intervention strategies in the United States. The proposed project, Respiratory Infection and Disease Epidemiology Los Angeles (RIDE LA), seeks to establish a racially/ethnically diverse cohort of 2000 families with children residing in underserved areas of Los Angeles. Through comprehensive symptom screening, molecular multiplex detection, serologic studies, and household transmission studies, RIDE LA aims to provide invaluable insights into respiratory disease incidence, risk factors, and transmission dynamics.

Initial support for the IDEAS Initiative will come from the DPPHS, supplemented by grant-funded projects and in-kind contributions. Evaluation mechanisms, including progress surveys and yearly reports, will monitor the Initiative’s evolution and impact. As the IDEAS Initiative matures, it aims to expand its scope to become a USC-wide initiative, attracting students, postdoctoral fellows, and trainees. Ultimately, it seeks to secure NIH funding to support training programs, further solidifying its position as a leader in infectious disease research and public health intervention.

In addition to its proactive research endeavors, the IDEAS Initiative is committed to fostering collaborations with external partners, leveraging the expertise and resources of faculty members such as Dr. Jeffrey Klausner and Dr. Jennifer Unger. These strategic partnerships not only enhance the Initiative’s research capabilities but also ensure its relevance and impact in addressing pressing public health challenges.

By integrating cutting-edge research methodologies, fostering collaborations, and engaging in proactive public health interventions, the IDEAS initiative is poised to emerge as a pioneering force in infectious disease research and public health intervention. With a multidisciplinary approach and a commitment to addressing the evolving landscape of infectious diseases, the IDEAS Initiative is well-positioned to make significant strides towards improving public health outcomes, both locally and globally.