The newly funded consortium, VBD-MODE, is a four-year research project (2026–2029) that brings together leading scientific institutions across Germany to enhance the modeling and prediction of vector-borne disease emergence, transmission, and outbreak dynamics. The project is funded by The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

VBD-MODE is led by Hei-Planet and includes a consortium of top-tier partners:

• • • Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI)
  • • Robert Koch Institute (RKI)
  • • Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM)
  • • University of Münster
  • GERICS – Climate Service Center Germany

Together, these institutions are building a coordinated modeling network to address current and future risks from climate-sensitive pathogens. The project leverages Germany’s expertise in infectious disease research, data science, and climate modeling to build integrated tools for public health decision-making.

Focus Areas: Vector-Borne Diseases in a Changing Climate

VBD-MODE targets three key categories of vector-borne diseases:

• • • Tick-borne diseases
  • • West Nile Virus diseases
  • Aedes mosquito-borne diseases

These diseases are heavily influenced by environmental and climatic conditions, and their incidence is expected to rise in Germany as temperatures shift and vector habitats expand. The project aims to provide both short-term and long-term scenario modeling, including seasonal outbreak predictions and future risk estimates under climate change.

Advanced Modeling: Multi-Model Collaboration and Community Engagement

A core strength of VBD-MODE is its multi-model approach. Each partner institution develops its own models based on specific expertise. These diverse models are then compared, integrated, and validated to generate robust, evidence-based projections. To foster innovation and inclusivity, the consortium is also organizing community challenges and programming competitions. These open events invite the broader scientific and modeling communities to develop, compare, and showcase different modeling approaches to VBD prediction.

VBD-MODE represents a vital step in adapting Germany’s public health infrastructure to the realities of climate change. By enhancing early warning systems, improving risk assessments, and integrating environmental and health data, the project aims to reduce the burden of vector-borne diseases – now and into the future.