During the first reporting period (Months 1-18) 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 associated with GloPID-R, the Pandemic PACT, advanced funding data sharing, research coordination, and evidence tracking in support of GloPID-R membership activities. The funding platform was launched in March 2024, with engagement from GloPID-R members and the work of Pandemic PACT has supported key GloPID-R outbreak responses and working group activities since.
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 Africa Hub (led by South Africa MRC), which enhanced local research infrastructures and promoted information sharing and coordination.
Finally, the project emphasized data sharing and interoperability through the GloPID-R Data Sharing Working Group, which built on the Data Sharing Roadmap for Public Health Emergencies with a practical implementation guide by mid-2025.
During the second reporting period (Months 19–40), the Secretariat achieved the following key milestones:
1. Revised Strategy and Operational Setup: Carried out and supported the development and implementation of GloPID-R’s updated strategy, including governance reforms. Facilitated the transition planning for the Secretariat’s move to a new host organization in 2026.
2. Working Groups:
- Clinical Trials Coordination Working Group: Provided support for the development of standardized frameworks and the progress report on collective membership action against the priorities of the GloPID-R Roadmap for clinical trials during outbreaks.
- Data Sharing Working Group: Led the development and implementation of the Data Sharing Implementation Guide in mid-2025 and generated and maintained a repository of resources to support data-sharing practices.
- Research Funding Contraction Working Group: Set up to discuss implications of global research funding cuts and coordination across members.
- Biosecurity Working Group: Set up to discuss biosecurity issues and share guidance amongst funders regarding preparedness and response for public health emergencies.
3. GRIPP Mechanism and programme:
- Provided administrative and technical support for the launch of the Global Research Improving Pandemic Preparedness (GRIPP) mechanism at the WHO General Assembly in December 2024.
- Supported the first coordinated funding call in 2025, focusing on strengthening clinical trial ecosystems in LMICs.
- Prepared the second coordinated funding call which is to be launched later in 2026
4. Communication and Dissemination:
- Enhanced the network’s digital presence through website updates, newsletters, and social media campaigns.
- Significantly expanded the range of subscribers
- Organized and supported stakeholder engagement activities, including technical briefings and participation in events like the EDCTP Forum and General Assembly.
