The COVID-19 pandemic illustrated how unilateral research initiatives can lead to a fragmented research landscape. It also highlighted the importance of planning and investing in research and innovation well before a health crisis occurs. Against this backdrop, the primary objective of Coordination and Support Action (CSA) BE READY PLUS was to build on the work carried out under the preparatory CSA BE READY by further consolidating a coherent and coordinated European Research and Innovation Area for pandemic preparedness. This work laid the foundations for the European Partnership for Pandemic Preparedness, BE READY, which was launched in January 2026.
The BE READY Partnership enhances the EU’s preparedness for emerging infectious threats by aligning research and innovation efforts across European, national and regional levels. Guided by a multi-annual Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA), it enables Member States, Associated Countries and the European Commission to ensure the efficient mobilisation of funds and research capacities in times of crisis. Building on existing preparedness networks and working in close cooperation with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), and relevant European Commission services, the Partnership strengthens the coherence and responsiveness of the European research ecosystem.
The activities of BE READY PLUS were carried out by a consortium of 31 public organisations from 21 different countries, bringing together complementary expertise and policy mandates. The consortium spans public health agencies, ministries of science, health and innovation, research funding organisations, and environmental authorities. All partners have a key role in preparedness and response activities in their respective countries.
The outcomes of BE READY PLUS were:
- Ensured operational readiness of the future European partnership for pandemic preparedness, building on the CSA BE READY and enabling the Partnership to be fully functional from its launch, including the successful preparation and launch of its first Joint Transnational Call (JTC) in January 2026;
- Strengthened visibility, alignment and uptake of the Partnership’s strategic framework, notably its SRIA, the first JTC and the tools further developed and refined under BE READY, including an Observatory on national pandemic preparedness policies
- Established the foundations of a sustainable ever-warm, EU-wide network of networks for clinical research (EWNN), paving the way for coordinated, rapid activation of clinical research capacities in future health emergencies.
