National project · Citizen science research
GripeNet
Volunteers reported online each week whether they had flu, to monitor its incidence in Spain
About the project
GripeNet monitored the incidence of flu in Spain thanks to the unpaid, anonymous help of volunteers, who regularly reported online whether or not they had the illness.
To take part, all you had to do was fill in a personal profile and then a short weekly questionnaire, taking about two minutes, sent by email, with questions about your health in relation to flu and about vaccination. The questionnaires were sent during the flu season, from the autumn onwards.
The tool was developed by BIFI researchers in coordination with the European consortium Epiwork. The project was launched in Spain in November 2012.
Project objectives
GripeNet had a twofold purpose:
- To help researchers better understand how infectious diseases spread, using Europe-wide models.
- To serve as an outreach tool to bring science closer to the public and involve people directly in scientific research.
The role of Ibercivis
Ibercivis supported the project and promoted it among its community of volunteers as one of its active experiments, encouraging the public to sign up at gripenet.es.
Project details
Type of project
National
Duration
Since 2012
Consortium
BIFI (University of Zaragoza), in coordination with the European consortium Epiwork and with the support of Ibercivis
Area
Citizen science research
