Transdisciplinary Epidemiology in Schools: Integrating Molecular Environmental and Social Surveillance Through Community Science
Molnar, O.; Schedl, A.; Giulini, D.; Odor, G.; Fragner, T.; Thornton, M.; Garber-Pawlik, K.; Gschmeidler, B.; Prieler, S.; Girschick, B.; Kunnert, V.; Schmidt, B.; Hackl, D.; Golos, A.; Scharf, F.; Bach, N.; Raith, H.; Stuebegger, A.; Trenker, M.; Schiefer, J.; Dascalescu, V.; Osaid, W. A.; Margioulas, C.; Marizzi, C.; Amman, F.; Grabovac, I.; Bergthaler, A.
Show abstract
Respiratory virus surveillance is often constrained by symptomatic testing and centralized sampling, producing blind spots in populations at risk. We developed a transdisciplinary community science framework in which students and teachers co-designed and implemented decentralized respiratory surveillance integrating environmental, molecular, and social data in schools. Within this participatory setting, indoor air COLJ concentrations were monitored alongside student-collected air filter and surface samples, analyzed by digital PCR and sequencing. Community-generated samples reliably captured circulating viruses, while COLJ measurements revealed associations between indoor air quality and pathogen abundance. Quantitative surveys identified social and structural barriers to preventive measures, and shared ownership of study design fostered sustained engagement. By embedding epidemiology within a co-developed, community-driven research process, this study demonstrates how scalable surveillance can close critical data gaps. Our work provides a blueprint for decentralized, community-engaged infectious disease monitoring that positions local partners as active contributors to public health intelligence.
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