Outbreaks of infectious diseases are increasing due to multiple local and global interaction changes disrupting the fragile balance of the complex human-animal-environment ecosystem. The increased frequency and complexity of health threats require a different, unified form of preparedness and a coordinated, fast, reliable and effective emergency response.

DURABLE is a tailored solution to this recognised need - a strong network of world-class basic and translational research institutes and public health centres across Europe with an outstanding track record in public health support with global reach. DURABLE aims to provide high-quality scientific information in record time to support HERA’s decision-making in preparing for and responding to cross-border health threats and assessing the impact of countermeasures. 

Goals

DURABLE will coordinate a global collaboration, from pathogen detection, evolutionary analysis and threat characterisation, with the One Health approach, to data and information collection and sharing, for optimal threat response. DURABLE will develop and validate a roadmap for rapid deployment of key countermeasures, test the robustness of the network, and assess key aspects of its emergency mode when simula¬ting or dealing with identified threats. Additionally, DURABLE will focus on long-term sustainability by focusing on capacity building, training the next generation of researchers and developing pandemic preparedness training modules for the network and beyond.

Consortium

DURABLE is a multidisciplinary consortium with complementary expertise. It will interact with Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (HERA) and other stakeholders.  The DURABLE project consortium consists of 20 institutes from 15 countries.

RIVM role

RIVM is the lead institute for other laboratory networks within the EU, including the Emerging Viral Diseases Expert Laboratory Network (EVD-LabNet) funded by ECDC and, therefore, not only the scientific expertise but also the communication and organisation expertise necessary to support this large consortium. RIVM will be contributing to almost all of the work packages (WP) within this programme, but specifically will be co-leading WP9 “Validation and deployment of novel diagnostics”. Dr Doctor (Doctor ) Chantal Reusken is a work package co-leader. She also coordinates the project at RIVM, as more RIVM staff members from the Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Diagnostics and Laboratory Surveillance are involved.

Funding

This project has received funding from the European Union’s EU4Health programme 2021-2027 – a vision for a healthier European Union, call EU4H-2021-PJ4