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Researchers aim to build predictive models from the data to facilitate the early identification of viral threats

Published on 17.9.2026
Tampere University
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Tampere University is participating in the DETECTIVE project, which is developing new, data-driven methods to detect and respond to emerging and re-emerging viral threats at an earlier stage than before. The European Commission has awarded €4.4 million in funding to the project, which is coordinated by the University of Turku.

Two doctoral researchers will join the Virology Research Group as part of the international DETECTIVE research network. The recruitment process for these positions will open in September.

The first study focuses on how virome data from municipal wastewater can be used for the early detection and prediction of epidemics.

"The aim is to develop predictive models based on wastewater surveillance data that can be used to anticipate epidemics and support the planning of public health measures," says Senior Research Fellow Sami Oikarinen.

The second study investigates the occurrence and spread of enterovirus infections in the Finnish population by integrating extensive epidemiological and biological datasets. The aim is to develop artificial intelligence-based models that can predict the risk of enterovirus outbreaks and support preparedness for future epidemics.

University of Turku press release: EU funding of €4.4M for doctoral network coordinated by the University of Turku to enable early detection of future viral threats | University of Turku

More information

Sami Oikarinen
Senior Research Fellow
sami.oikarinen [at] tuni.fi (sami[dot]oikarinen[at]tuni[dot]fi) 

Jutta Laiho
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
jutta.laiho [at] tuni.fi (jutta[dot]laiho[at]tuni[dot]fi)