Innovative strategies are underway world-wide to prepare for the onslaught of new viral infections. A three-day International Conference held in Trieste (Italy) this week brought leading experts in the field from across the globe to discuss emerging and re-emerging viruses with pandemic potential – and viewpoints from a multidisciplinary approach needed to counter – and prevent – these.
Giuditta De Lorenzo (Area Science Park, Trieste) and Alessandro Marcello (International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology), were amongst the Scientific Organisers of the Conference.
Addressing the ongoing threat of emerging viral infections, topics discussed included preparing the world for climate-driven amplifications of infections (Rino Rappuoli); diagnostics and surveillance, and the role of National Health institutes, and using next generation sequencing approaches to enhance such capacities (Emma Thomson).
Overviews of current drug discovery, therapies and antivirals to enhance epidemic and pandemic preparedness were presented, alongside the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning as tools to study pathogens; the microorganisms that can cause disease.
True multidisciplinary approaches to pandemic preparedness focussed on specific endemic diseases in a global health context, whilst addressing national infrastructures, and cooperation across disciplines, encompassing social mores, policies, basic research and local capacity.
With speakers from across Europe (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, the Netherlands), Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, and the UK; Asia (India, Japan); the Middle East (Qatar and Saudi Arabia); America (Brazil, and the USA), and Africa (Tanzania), covering all global regions, over 165 participants were in attendance.
The Conference was held in the context of the Pathogen Readiness Platform PRP@CERIC project, funded by the European Union through the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan, to highlight the achievements, current challenges and new frontiers in pandemic preparedness.
Rohan Narayan, India
