Next-generation genomic disease surveillance in urban wastewater systems (ARC Discovery Projects administered by University of Technology Sydney) (2025-2027)
Abstract
This project aims to develop an innovative surveillance system capable of quantifying various pathogens and predicting case numbers and healthcare burdens of diverse infectious diseases via wastewater based epidemiology. Current epidemiology approach is retrospective, hindering timely intervention and threatening public health and the economy. This project expects to create a novel surveillance system through wastewater based epidemiology to enable timely intervention and resource allocation. Expected outcomes include a broadspectrum quantitative metagenomic tool for quantifying pathogens, and models for predicting case numbers and healthcare burdens using pathogen concentrations. This should provide benefits for water and health sectors.
