What inspired you to form the initiative Pandemics & Alertness?
To me it became clear during the pandemic, that resources weren’t being used optimally. Within academia, for example, we have a lot of expertise in various fields, and my perception was that there weren’t clear bridges or connections between different organizations – such as the public health agency, academia, regions, and so forth – to establish a powerful response to the pandemic. Another motive is to keep the thought of the pandemic alive. I think it’s important to learn and not repeat the same mistakes, so that, when the next pandemic comes – and it will – we are better prepared.
How would you briefly describe the initiative?
It is a dynamic and evolving platform – a “knowledge hub” – of expertise that can be swiftly mobilized. The idea is to bring together a directory of people, enabling a rapid and coordinated response. Essentially, it’s a platform aimed at supporting new initiatives that address specific issues from a synergistic and translational perspective. For example, how can I gather a working group around a specific pandemics-related question? Who are the key stakeholders? The idea is not that the coordinators drive the initiatives, but for the partners themselves to take the lead, with us having a more facilitating role.
Who is the target group for the initiative?
Anyone with pandemic-related expertise across all sectors! It is very broad, ranging everything from how to effectively disseminate communication in schools or for the public, to the development of new medicines and the importance of having stockpiles and ready pathways to produce critical products during a pandemic.
What are your expectations for the outcomes of this initiative?
I hope that by the time the initiative concludes, we have established a large network of contacts, and that individuals and organizations connected to the network see the benefit of being involved. I hope that at least a few initiatives will have been launched where Pandemics & Alertness played a role in getting those projects started.
Are there already results from the initiative?
Yes, absolutely! There are joint research applications where people connected with the network have come together to address specific questions. There are groups that have started working together to create a more translational foundation for various challenges. We have also received interests from international initiatives looking to use the platform to highlight key issues to policymakers and support strategic investment decisions.
What’s next?
We are currently refining the platform to support more targeted collaborations. Using a data-driven method, we will identify promising areas of interest and foster meaningful connections. We are continuing to develop the communications and working on a long-term sustainability plan, as ongoing funding will be essential beyond the current three-year period. Importantly, since the platform is dynamic and continouisly updated, we actively welcome new partners to join the initiative!
How can I get involved?
You can contact one of the coordinators or our administrative coordinator and forward your ideas or questions. Then, we will discuss the next steps together. If you want to be part of the network, but start off more passively to observe, that’s perfectly fine as well!
