GloPID-R is a collaboration of international research funders that strives for a rapid and effective research response in case of a new or re-emerging infectious disease outbreak.

The 2014/2015 Ebola crisis showed that it is not only essential to have a disease emergency response plan in place. Moreover, it is vital that the scientific analysis of the outbreak is coordinated effectively. A coordinated response on an international scale is the only way to rapidly identify pathogens, increase epidemiological understanding and develop therapy options or clinical trial procedures and adjust emergency responses during future outbreaks. Germany, represented by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), has joined GloPID-R, an important initiative aimed at developing rapid and effective research responses. The initiative aims to mobilize prestigious research institutions at short notice in the event of a health crisis to facilitate an immediate concerted research reaction.  

Preparedness and response, two sides of the same coin

When major disease outbreaks occur, both preparedness and rapid response are imperative to gather vital information. This, in turn will help to prevent and cope with future outbreaks.

GloPID-R addresses preparedness with four working groups, focusing on: the clinical trial networks, data sharing, One Health, and Research in LMICs.

Furthermore, GloPID-R strives for the installment of four regional hubs, which focus on regional research priorities, capacity building and to support better coordination and efficiency of research activities. So far, two regional hubs have been set up so far the African Hub and the Asia Pacific Hub.

In terms of response, the overall goal of GloPID-R is to facilitate an effective research response within 48 hours of a significant infectious diseases outbreak with pandemic potential. For that purpose, a response plan was approved.

In addition, GloPID-R provides the research community with valuable information on funding opportunities, reports, training and education as well as with other relevant information. Working groups with a focus on specific diseases e.g. on Chikungunya, Yellow Fever or Zika, bring together relevant experts to analyze the current situation, address specific scientific questions such as effectiveness of fractional dosing or particular research gaps and make recommendation for research funding.