Research Training in Integration of Epidemiology and Implementation Science for Neglected Zoonotic Disease Control

The mission of this D43 application is to establish an innovative, transdisciplinary training program in implementation science and epidemiology focused on Neglected Zoonotic Diseases (NZDs), with a central aim of protecting American health. NZDs represent a persistent and evolving class of infectious threats that originate at the human-animal-environment interface and have the potential to spill over into the United States through global travel, trade, and ecological change. Strengthening expertise to anticipate, detect, and control these threats at their source is a critical component of national health security. This program is designed to build a highly skilled U.S.-based workforce equipped to address zoonotic disease risks before they reach American communities. By integrating implementation science with epidemiology, the training emphasizes not only understanding disease dynamics but also ensuring that prevention and control strategies are effectively delivered in real-world settings. This focus on translation and execution aligns with broader priorities to improve the performance, efficiency, and responsiveness of public health systems. The initiative is led by the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. This structure reinforces U.S. leadership in infectious disease preparedness and ensures that American institutions remain at the forefront of zoonotic threat detection and response, such as Lassa virus, Chagas disease, and neurocysticercosis. Led by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in epidemiology and implementation science, the program adopts a "One Health" framework that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This integrated approach is essential for addressing modern infectious disease threats, many of which emerge outside traditional clinical settings but have direct implications for population health in the United States. In sum, this training program strengthens the nation's ability to prevent and respond to zoonotic disease threats by investing in workforce development, advancing applied research, and reinforcing systems that protect the health, stability, and resilience of American communities.