REACT Workshop: Advancing Pandemic Preparedness through Collaboration and Innovation
The REACT consortium recently hosted a two-day online workshop titled “REACTing to pandemics”, bringing together researchers, public health professionals, biobank experts, and other key stakeholders working in infectious disease preparedness.
The workshop, structured as two thematic sessions, reflected the scientific scope of the REACT project, which investigates the genetic, immunological, and clinical factors influencing respiratory viral diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV.
Each session was attended by approximately 60 participants and included interactive discussions, with attendees actively engaging with speakers through questions and plenary dialogue.
From biobanking to preparedness strategies
The first session focused on biobanking and cohort-based research in disease surveillance and preparedness. Presentations addressed the establishment, management, and use of cohorts, alongside relevant guidelines and frameworks.
These contributions sparked valuable discussions on how to strengthen preparedness for future pandemics, including:
- Integration of routine healthcare systems into research and surveillance
- Access to and use of health data
- Participant enrolment strategies
- Ethical and GDPR considerations
Participants also explored challenges and opportunities related to immune response studies, as well as sample collection, storage, and accessibility within biobanking infrastructures.
Advancing molecular understanding and in-vitro technologies
The second session expanded on these themes by focusing on in-depth molecular research and advanced in vitro technologies. Presentations covered T-cell immunology and hybrid immunity, as well as cohort-based studies on long COVID and non-communicable diseases.
Speakers also provided a broader perspective on global infectious disease research, highlighting how cutting-edge experimental models can support preparedness efforts.
Discussions emphasised the importance of:
- Understanding immune mechanisms in infectious diseases
- Leveraging innovative laboratory technologies
- Integrating multidisciplinary expertise across large-scale research initiatives
Strengthening collaboration for future pandemics
Overall, the workshop successfully facilitated knowledge exchange across disciplines and stakeholder groups. It highlighted the importance of connecting epidemiological, clinical, and molecular approaches, as well as the critical role of collaboration and shared infrastructures in pandemic preparedness.
By bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives, the REACT workshop contributed to ongoing efforts to strengthen Europe’s capacity to respond to future infectious disease threats.
For more information about the REACT project, please visit: [website]