St. Jude’s International Collaboration Takes Flight with $2.3 Million Grant for Avian Influenza Research

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has been awarded a grant of $2,340,000 from the National Science Foundation for a research project titled “US-UK-China Collab: Understanding the Impact of Poultry Vaccination on H5Nx Avian Influenza Virus Evolution and Ecosystem Dynamics.” The grant will support ongoing efforts to understand the dynamics of the H5Nx avian influenza virus, ultimately leading to advancements in prevention and treatment strategies.

The research will be led by principal investigator Richard Webby, along with co-principal investigators Justin Bahl and Nicolas Wu. Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) commended St. Jude and its scientists for their research on avian influenza, which he highlighted as a significant contributor to illness and economic disruption in recent years. He emphasized the importance of this collaboration with scientists from other countries in addressing global health challenges, showcasing St. Jude’s global impact in saving lives.

This grant recognizes the valuable contributions of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the field of avian influenza research. The funding will support ongoing efforts to understand the dynamics of the H5Nx avian influenza virus, which could ultimately lead to advancements in prevention and treatment strategies that could help mitigate future outbreaks of this dangerous disease. The collaborative nature of this research underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing global health challenges and highlights St. Jude’s commitment to making a difference through scientific research.