COordination MEchanism for Cohorts and Trials

Project Information

COMECT

Grant agreement ID: 101136531

DOI

10.3030/101136531

EC signature date 13 November 2023

Start date 1 December 2023

End date 30 November 2026

Funded under

• Health

Total cost

€ 3 000 000,00

EU contribution

€ 3 000 000,00

Coordinated by

FOLKEHELSEINSTITUTTET
Norway

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - COMECT (COordination MEchanism for Cohorts and Trials)

Reporting period: 2023-12-01 to 2025-05-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The Covid-19 pandemic showcased the need for a better coordinated research landscape. During the years of the pandemic, multiple studies were commenced, but the generation of results was fragmented and inefficient. In order to speed up the applicability of clinical research for patients and the population, coordinated efforts were needed.

CoMeCT is a one-of-a kind project aligning European clinical research networks and facilitating collaboration. The CoMeCT partners are meta-networks and builds on the established functions and studies in the Trial Coordination Board (TCB) and the Cohort Coordination Board (CCB). Both boards facilitate exchange and harmonization of clinical studies focusing on outbreaks with epidemic potential. Additionally, CoMeCT has developed the overarching Coordination Board (CB) – an expanding entity highlighting topics of relevance and fostering cross communication between the CCB and TCB. In relation to specific outbreaks, the Outbreak Response Board (ORB) has been established to take action and lead the response of CoMeCT. s. The ORB explores the evidence base, visualizes knowledge gaps, compiles overviews of ongoing activities, and how operational networks best could be exploited and delivers these overviews to the European Commission.

CoMeCT takes pride in being the “voice of researchers”. Dedicated work on data harmonization, mapping of studies and stakeholders, and communication has been integrated in this project to support day-to-day coordination and the scientific overviews. The reach and inclusivity of CoMeCT impacts communication flow and transparency and influences collaborative approaches and resource allocation.

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 CoMeCT project has successfully sustained and advanced the coordination of cohorts and trials on infectious disease with epidemic potential, and become a scientific advisor to the European Commission (EC) in relation to outbreaks. CoMeCT is unique in its ability to foster communication between networks, also building the bridge between trials and cohorts.

CoMeCT has developed a stringent governance model ensuring transparent communication with the EC and other collaborators, as well as a lean workflow between the boards of the CB and the working groups on data harmonization, exploration and communication. The CB and ORB have been established complementary to the TCB and CCB, and a total of 36 pan- European meetings have been held in these meeting configurations. The project has established a “living” tool in the online Central Data Repository, advanced activities on data harmonization and the sharing of best practices, and developed a website highlighting advancements of the project as well as within the field of infectious disease research. This website features a specific communication section “what’s new in infectious diseases” aimed at increasing understanding of outbreaks, and the importance of research, to the public.

This CSA project has continuous collaborations with other EU funded projects: EU-RESPONSE, MPX-RESPONSE, ECRAID-Prime, ORCHESTRA, VERDI, PIPELINE and PROACTEU-RESPONSE and has formalized cross-activities also with Contagio. We are continuously expanding the project’s network in line with the scope. Additions to our standing network include new platform trials, disease specific cohorts, vaccine research initiatives and global entities and stakeholders.

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)

CoMeCT has been sustained as a trusted platform for exchange and frequently contacted for input, and the opportunity to present results and collaborate. This structured framework strategically positions CoMeCT to advance relevance to new outbreaks with a coordination role that has proved pivotal in European and global infectious disease research. We will continue to adapt and reflect on the living landscape and strengthen our citizen engagement actions.

To ensure sustainability of our activities beyond the project period, CoMeCT is in close communication with the BeReadyNow project and aspires to align and eventually integrate activities within this new European Partnership for Pandemic Preparedness. Additionally, the work on vaccine research will be strengthened to meet the upcoming work of the European Vaccine Hub.

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