# Collaborative Research: DMS/NIGSM 1: Statistical methods for estimating direct genetic effect

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI) · $300,000

## Abstract

This project addresses a fundamental challenge in understanding how genetics influences human health and behavior: distinguishing true biological genetic effects from influences that arise through family environment. Human genetic studies often ignore environmental factors, yet growing evidence suggests that parental characteristics can shape the family environment and confound genetic associations. As a result, common analytic approaches may overstate genetic contributions or misidentify biological mechanisms. This project develops new statistical tools to separate direct genetic effects from environmentally mediated influences, enabling more accurate interpretation of genetic association findings. The results will improve the reliability of genetic risk prediction through biotechnology, inform precision medicine, and support evidence-based public health and policy decisions. The project will also produce open-source software and provide interdisciplinary training opportunities at the interface of statistics, biostatistics, genetics, and data science.

The research develops a unified statistical framework grounded in causal inference and high-dimensional data analysis. First, it introduces a new definition of heritability based on counterfactual comparisons between individuals with identical environments, allowing direct genetic contributions to be isolated and bounded under realistic assumptions. Second, it develops methods to estimate direct genetic effects by combining 

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2553818
- **Awardee organization:** University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** LCLSJAGTNZQ7
- **PI:** Qiongshi Lu
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** NSF/NIGMS Initiative-Mathematical Bio, Biotechnology
- **Estimated total:** $300,000
- **Funds obligated:** $300,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2026 → 06/30/2029

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2553818

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2553818, Collaborative Research: DMS/NIGSM 1: Statistical methods for estimating direct genetic effect. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2553818. Licensed CC0.

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