About CEIRR

The Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response (CEIRR) Network is a multidisciplinary and collaborative research network funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to study the natural history, transmission and pathogenesis of influenza, and provide an international research infrastructure to address influenza outbreaks.

CEIRR Centers conduct studies both in the United States and abroad to study key influenza research areas and provide pandemic response. Centers undertake projects that aim to better understand the immune response to influenza vaccination and infection and identify which immunological factors can determine disease severity. Surveillance projects investigate how influenza viruses infect, evolve, and transmit in both human and animal infections. 

Each Center has prepared studies that can be rapidly launched as part of an emergency research response to outbreaks of influenza and other emerging viral pathogens. Although CEIRR is primarily focused on influenza, the network also studies SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as other emerging viruses of pandemic potential.

CEIRR Pilot Research Program

The CEIRR Network accepts concept proposals for the Annual CEIRR Pilot Research Program in January. Investigators are invited to collaborate with the CEIRR Network to advance the NIAID mission of Pandemic Preparedness and Response. In conjunction with the established CEIRR Centers, interested researchers can submit concept proposals to establish partnerships that meet the goals of the NIAID Universal Influenza Strategic Plan and are of programmatic relevance to the current CEIRR program.

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