NCBR Grant for Research on Tuberculosis Transmission and Migration
16 07 2026
Dr hab. Tomasz Jagielski from the Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, has received funding from the National Centre for Research and Development for the project “Observatory for genomic surveillance of tuberculosis transmission and migration in Europe and Latin America” — OBSERVTB.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most important global health problems. One of the key challenges is monitoring the transmission of the disease in the context of migration, demographic changes, increased migration, and rising spread of drug-resistant strains of tubercle bacilli (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Genomic epidemiology, based on the analysis of genome sequences of M. tuberculosis strains, makes it possible to track the spread of the disease more precisely and identify strains of special epidemiological importance.
The aim of the OBSERVTB project is to develop a modern strategy for genomic surveillance of TB that responds to current demographic and epidemiological challenges. The research will be carried out at several observation points in Europe and Latin America that are important from the perspective of global migration routes.
The project will include, among other activities, genomic analysis of M. tuberculosis strains, identification of high-risk strains (drug-resistant, highly virulent or transmissible) , development and validation of low-cost molecular tests, and training activities to strengthen the skills of specialists responsible for TB surveillance in partner countries.
The results of the project may help to detect epidemic outbreaks more effectively, improve the monitoring of TB transmission, and identify drug-resistant strains, including MDR/XDR strains, more quickly. The project is also crucial for the development of international research cooperation in the field of infectious diseases and public health.
The project received funding under the 5th EU-LAC Joint Call in STI 2025, which aims to support multilateral scientific cooperation between Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. It will be carried out by an international consortium including partners from Spain, the consortium leader, Poland and four Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Uruguay). Poland is represented in the consortium by the University of Warsaw, the leader of the Polish group in the project, and the Medical University of Warsaw.
The total budget of the international consortium is EUR 1,378,623 / PLN 5,713,703.02, while the funding awarded to the Polish partners amounts to PLN 1,446,687.45, including PLN 1,240,759.67 for the University of Warsaw.
Congratulations on receiving the grant, and we wish the team every success in carrying out the project.
More information about the NCBR call:
https://www.gov.pl/web/ncbr/5th-eu-lac-joint-call-in-sti-2025