Development of Computational Applications for Data Analysis in Viral Surveillance and RNA Vaccine Projects

• Grant number: 25/11113-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Rúbens Prince dos Santos Alves
• Grantee: Izabel de Geus Monteiro Gomes
• Host Institution: Institut Pasteur de São Paulo (IPSP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/03895-3 - Outsmarting influenza through integrated wastewater surveillance and rapid saRNA vaccine development, AP.JP

Abstract

Inserted in the initiative "Outsmarting Influenza through Integrated Wastewater Surveillance and Rapid saRNA Vaccine Development", funded by FAPESP (Process No. 24/03895-3) and conducted under the coordination of Rúbens Prince dos Santos Alves, at the Institut Pasteur of São Paulo, this project aims to develop and apply customized computational solutions for the processing, analysis, and visualization of laboratory data generated in the context of genomic surveillance of IAV and the development of vaccines based on saRNA. The investigation prioritizes data obtained from wastewater samples, analyzed by RT-qPCR, and their integration with socioeconomic, environmental, and clinical information. This approach aims to support strategic public health decisions, promoting a broader and more contextualized understanding of viral circulation. The proposal includes mapping laboratory workflows and developing open-source scripts and tools for preprocessing, normalization, visualization, and automated organization of RT-qPCR data, following MIQE guidelines, as well as integrating these data with other databases. Ultimately, it is anticipated that an open and accessible database will be established, along with reusable tools that accelerate responses to health emergencies and strengthen the genomic surveillance infrastructure in the city of São Paulo.