a research and InNOvation Partnership for enhancing the surveillance and control of mosquito VECtors of emerging arboviruses

Project Information

INOVEC

Grant agreement ID: 101086257

DOI

10.3030/101086257

EC signature date 4 November 2022

Start date 1 January 2023

End date 31 December 2026

Funded under

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 1 407 600,00

Coordinated by

INSTITUT DE RECHERCHE POUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT
France

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - INOVEC (a research and InNOvation Partnership for enhancing the surveillance and control of mosquito VECtors ofemerging arboviruses)

Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Over the past decade, arboviral diseases like dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever have (re)emerged with increasing prevalence and severity worldwide, including in Europe. Without effective vaccines or treatments, prevention relies on controlling mosquito vectors and reducing human-vector contact. However, the resurgence of Aedes-transmitted diseases underscores the limitations of current vector control methods, highlighting the need for innovative, scalable, and community-based solutions.

The INOVEC project, launched in 2023, addresses this challenge through a consortium of 26 international institutions. It aims to develop integrated approaches and sustainable tools for arboviral mosquito surveillance and control, focusing on Europe, Africa, and Brazil. INOVEC will enhance monitoring and surveillance by creating diagnostic tools and communication technologies to track mosquito populations and transmission risks. It will also develop environmentally friendly, community-based vector control methods, including biological, physical, and genetic tools.

INOVEC emphasizes local context and community involvement by collaborating with experts across disciplines, fostering partnerships between mosquito control specialists, the private sector, and communities. It will transfer knowledge through training workshops, digital learning materials, and international conferences, maximizing its impact on global vector control efforts.

Ultimately, INOVEC aims to reduce the burden of vector-borne diseases and improve global health through innovative, integrated, and environmentally responsible approaches.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The INOVEC project has made significant progress in strengthening research capacities, fostering innovation, and enhancing vector control preparedness. Through mobility programs, workshops, interdisciplinary partnerships, and knowledge dissemination, INOVEC advances Aedes-borne disease surveillance and control.

Between 2023 and 2024, over 71 months of EU-funded secondments enhanced research skills and innovation, driving new vector control technologies. INOVEC organized workshops, symposiums, and the 1st International Conference in Tanzania, bringing together 200 participants from 20 countries. This event facilitated knowledge exchange and integrated African perspectives into global vector control strategies.

INOVEC published six open-access scientific papers, including four on sustainable Aedes control, contributing to environmentally friendly strategies. It also made a dataset publicly available, adhering to FAIR principles. Collaborations between companies and researchers led to advancements in smart traps for mosquito surveillance and species identification using wing patterns.

Community-based solutions are a priority, including the adaptation of the Mosquito Alert app for African contexts through a pre-pilot study in Tanzania. Social sciences insights support community engagement and stakeholder mapping in Tanzania and Burkina Faso. Public engagement efforts include educational materials, social media outreach, and a serious game to empower communities in disease control.

The project is managed through a structured coordination framework, ensuring effective communication and issue resolution. An Ethics Advisor ensures compliance with ethical standards. INOVEC continues to promote global health by advancing innovative, sustainable vector control solutions.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Scientific Impact
INOVEC advances scientific impact through 46 secondments (71.60 months), six peer-reviewed publications, and events including one symposium, two workshops, and an international conference. It facilitates knowledge transfer among 14 institutions and supports PhD training for six students. Beyond academia, the project links scientific advancements to environmental, health, societal, and economic benefits.

Environmental Impact
INOVEC develops sustainable insecticides and non-insecticidal vector control tools, reducing reliance on biocides. Four high-impact publications highlighted eco-friendly nanoemulsions and nanohydrogels for mosquito control. The project aligns with the European Green Deal by prioritizing remote meetings, reducing carbon footprints, and digital dissemination.

Health Impact
INOVEC enhances public health preparedness against mosquito-borne diseases, supporting SDGs on health (SDG3), poverty reduction (SDG1), and climate resilience (SDG13). Its findings influence global vector control policies at WHO, IAEA, and ECDC. Results were shared at international conferences, promoting sustainable, community-based solutions.

Societal Impact
INOVEC enhances institutional research capacity, fosters international collaborations, and promotes citizen-based mosquito surveillance through the Mosquito Alert app. It adapts this system for African contexts, involving interdisciplinary teams and social sciences. The project aims to establish an International Social Science Network on Arboviruses, with a workshop planned in Brazil in 2025.

Economic Impacts
INOVEC accelerates product development and market readiness for vector control tools, boosting competitiveness for partnering companies. It creates business opportunities for European start-ups and SMEs while enhancing scientific collaboration with third countries.

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