Scientists at The Pirbright Institute in the U.K. are bringing together global vector research communities to improve their capacity for fighting disease.

The "Gnatwork" is forging international connections among scientists who work on three insect groups — sandflies, blackflies and biting midges — by providing funding, training and resources.

“Few people realize the impact that these vector groups can have on both human and animal lives,” said Dr. Emma Howson, Gnatwork manager at Pirbright. “For example, sandflies transmit protozoa that cause leishmaniasis, a human disease that kills up to 30,000 people each year, while outbreaks of bluetongue, a viral disease transmitted by midges between ruminant livestock, were estimated to cost affected European countries more than £800 million between 2006 and 2009.”

Although each species of fly presents unique research challenges, their small size leads to convergence in the techniques scientists use to understand their biology, Pirbright said. The Gnatwork recently announced a new round of funding that encourages researchers to work towards this goal through sharing their expertise and investigating novel areas of research across the three insect groups.

The grants require scientists to work with international partners, with previous funding connecting U.K. institutions with low-income countries such as Ghana, Ethiopia and Brazil.

“By creating new relationships with these grants, we hope to enable sharing of knowledge and resources, making vector research groups more resilient,” Howson added.

Gnatwork scientists at Pirbright also lead international workshops for early career researchers, who receive training across vector groups, learn transferable skills and connect with experts to aid career progression. Its latest workshop was held in Bangladesh, where 26 early career researchers were trained in everything from practical research techniques to the statistical analysis of results.

The efficient coordination of research on these neglected vectors is highly important due to the sporadic nature of funding, which can be dependent on disease prevalence. By improving the research base for sandflies, blackflies and biting midges, Pirbright said scientists are paving the way for a more integrated vector community that can share resources and be more flexible in meeting research demands.