Global Health Security

Interdisciplinary researchers at the University of Notre Dame are advancing global health security (GHS) through research aimed at preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious disease threats worldwide.

At the Eck Institute for Global Health, we are committed to supporting this work, recognizing that GHS research is essential to understanding not only the diseases themselves, but the forces that exacerbate their impact, including climate change and urbanization, as well as broader economic, political, and social dynamics.

Building on Notre Dame’s strong research infrastructure, expertise in infectious disease threats, and global engagement, we prioritize two core areas of GHS research:

Disease Surveillance and Early Detection: Systematic data collection, analysis, and interpretation to identify and respond to emerging infectious diseases before they escalate. This includes:

• Developing biosensors and diagnostic tools for rapid pathogen detection
• Implementing genomic surveillance to track emerging infectious diseases
• Establishing data-sharing platforms for real-time outbreak monitoring
• Integrating AI and machine learning for predictive disease modeling

Disease Prevention and Control: Reducing the spread and impact of infectious diseases and drug-resistant pathogens. This includes:

• Advancing development of rapid diagnostics, therapeutic interventions, and vaccines
• Enhancing vector control strategies for vector-borne diseases
• Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship programs to combat drug resistance
• Designing community-informed interventions for infectious disease mitigation
• Improving sanitation and water safety to prevent disease transmission
• Applying new technologies to detect, prevent, and respond to health threats