Secretariat of Global research collaboration for infectious disease preparedness

Project Information

GloPID-R Sec III

Grant agreement ID: 101094188

DOI

10.3030/101094188

Project closed

EC signature date 17 October 2022

Start date 1 January 2023

End date 30 April 2026

Funded under

• Health

Total cost

€ 1 593 312,50

EU contribution

€ 1 593 312,50

Coordinated by

CHARITE - UNIVERSITAETSMEDIZIN BERLIN
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - GloPID-R Sec III (Secretariat of Global research collaboration for infectious disease preparedness)

Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2024-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The GloPID-R Secretariat III (SEC3) project, part of the Global Partnership for Infectious Disease Research, supports pandemic preparedness and response through global research collaboration. Funded by the European Union’s Horizon Programme, it enhances organizational, scientific, and technical coordination across a global network, driven by the need for a better-coordinated response to emerging infectious diseases, especially highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Context and Objectives:
GloPID-R addresses global health threats by uniting funders, researchers, and policymakers for swift responses to public health emergencies. The transition to GloPID-R SEC3 focuses on expanding partnerships and strengthening capacity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Key objectives include:
Operational Support: Facilitating governance, meetings, and exploring alternative funding.
Communication: Enhancing strategies to raise awareness and engagement.
Scientific and Technical Support: Promoting collaboration, data sharing, and clinical trial coordination.
Expected Impact:
GloPID-R SEC3 will significantly enhance pandemic preparedness by improving global research coordination, building capacity in LMICs, and influencing policy. Initiatives like the Pandemic PACT streamline resources, while regional hubs enhance preparedness and equitable resource access. The project also advocates for sustained investment in pandemic preparedness and provides policy-relevant evidence to shape global health strategies.

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

During the reporting period of the GloPID-R SEC3 project, significant progress was made in advancing technical and scientific objectives to enhance global infectious disease preparedness and response. Activities focused on three main areas: operational research coordination, scientific collaboration, and capacity building in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

A key initiative, the Pandemic PACT, advanced data sharing, research coordination, and evidence tracking. The scoping review for research prioritization was completed in early 2023, followed by the platform’s launch in March 2024. The Rapid Research Needs Appraisals (RRNAs) further facilitated real-time assessments of research needs during outbreaks.

Progress in clinical trial coordination was achieved through the GloPID-R Clinical Trials Coordination Platform, which standardized global collaboration for pandemic-related trials. The Living Funders Roadmap, published in May 2023, established global priorities and ethical guidelines for trial coordination.

Capacity building in LMICs was strengthened through the launch of regional hubs, including one in Cape Town, which enhanced local research infrastructures and promoted data sharing and coordination. Training programs were also developed to equip local researchers with essential skills.

Finally, the project emphasized data sharing and interoperability through the GloPID-R Data Sharing Working Group, which developed the Data Sharing Roadmap for Public Health Emergencies and a practical implementation guide by mid-2024.

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)

The GloPID-R SEC3 project has achieved several key results that are expected to have significant impacts on global pandemic preparedness and infectious disease research. These results include the operationalization of platforms such as the Pandemic PACT, Clinical Trials Coordination Platform, and the establishment of regional research hubs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These initiatives, combined with a coordinated focus on data sharing and collaborative research, position the project to contribute meaningfully to global health infrastructure and epidemic response capabilities.

Potential Impacts:
The implementation of the Pandemic PACT is expected to enhance the global capacity to monitor and track research investments and outcomes across epidemic and pandemic threats. This tool will allow funders, researchers, and policymakers to better understand research gaps and align resources for more targeted and efficient responses during health crises. The Rapid Research Needs Appraisals (RRNAs), developed as part of this initiative, will further enable the rapid identification of research priorities during outbreaks, contributing to quicker responses and better outcomes in disease control.

The Clinical Trials Coordination Platform is projected to improve the global standardization and efficiency of clinical trials for infectious diseases. By providing harmonized protocols and ethical guidelines, this platform ensures that trials conducted across different regions can be coordinated more effectively, particularly during emergencies. This will reduce duplication of efforts and accelerate the generation of evidence for treatments and vaccines, ultimately benefiting global public health outcomes.

Capacity-building activities, particularly in LMICs, are expected to have long-term impacts by strengthening local research infrastructures and enhancing the ability of these regions to participate in global research networks. The regional hubs, such as the Africa Hub launched in Cape Town, are designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, thus helping under-resourced regions respond more effectively to future outbreaks.
Overview of Results: