Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness

Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness (GloPID-R) is an international alliance of research funding organizations that aim to facilitate an effective and rapid research response to global infectious disease outbreaks. GloPID-R's mission is to bring together funders of infectious disease research across the world to ensure that data and resources are shared openly and rapidly in order to counteract the threat of infectious diseases, particularly those that have the potential to cause epidemics or pandemics.

Overview

GloPID-R was established in response to the increasing threat posed by infectious diseases worldwide and the recognition that a coordinated, international research effort is crucial to prepare for and respond to these threats. The organization focuses on enhancing the global capacity to conduct research during outbreaks of new or re-emerging infectious diseases, ensuring that critical research can be initiated within 48 hours of an outbreak being declared.

Objectives

The main objectives of GloPID-R include:

• Facilitating a rapid and coordinated research response to outbreaks of infectious diseases.
• Promoting the sharing of data, biological samples, and research resources among researchers and across borders.
• Supporting the development and implementation of research agendas for priority diseases and pathogens.
• Enhancing communication and collaboration among member organizations and with other stakeholders in the field of infectious disease research.

Membership

Membership in GloPID-R is open to research funding organizations around the world that fund or have an interest in funding research on infectious diseases, particularly those that can cause significant harm to human health. Members include national research agencies, international organizations, and philanthropic foundations. Each member organization commits to sharing information and coordinating funding to support research in response to outbreaks.

Activities

GloPID-R undertakes a variety of activities to achieve its objectives, including:

• Identifying gaps in infectious disease research and setting priorities for funding.
• Organizing international meetings and workshops to facilitate collaboration and information sharing among researchers and funders.
• Developing and promoting the use of common protocols and standards for data sharing and research during outbreaks.
• Supporting the rapid dissemination of research findings to inform public health responses and policy-making.

Impact

The work of GloPID-R has been instrumental in coordinating global research efforts during several recent infectious disease outbreaks, including the Zika virus outbreak in 2015-2016, the Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa in 2014-2016, and the COVID-19 pandemic. By bringing together funders of research and facilitating the sharing of information and resources, GloPID-R has helped to accelerate the development of diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines, and to improve the global response to infectious diseases.

Challenges

Despite its successes, GloPID-R faces several challenges, including the need for sustained funding for research preparedness, the complexity of coordinating research across different countries and legal systems, and the challenge of ensuring equitable access to research findings and benefits. Addressing these challenges requires ongoing commitment and collaboration among GloPID-R members and other stakeholders in the global health community.