Support and development of the innovation ecosystem for pandemic preparedness.

The University of Antwerp (UAntwerp) aspires to set up an ecosystem for pandemic preparedness together with Flemish stakeholders (including VIB, ITM, VOKA Antwerp-Waasland). In order for this ecosystem to yield optimal results, there is a need for research infrastructure for (pre-)clinical research and efficient interaction with companies, knowledge institutions, hospitals, governments and international foundations. This project aims to invest in high-tech research infrastructure (BSL2-3 labs) that functions as a living lab in which academics can carry out innovative projects together with companies and public partners. Projects that can build on a strong scientific basis in the field of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance on the one hand through a partnership between VIB-ITG-UAntwerp, also based on economic/social needs (Flipped-TTO concept) throughout the entire value chain of pandemic response as defined by the public and private partners (eg VOKA Antwerp-Waasland). This Flipped-TTO concept accelerates to achieve impactful innovation together with the right partners in the context of pandemic preparedness and response, based on the lessons learned from the current crisis. This living lab investment is specifically based on the broader innovation ecosystem around pandemic preparedness and response, where, in addition to pharmaceutical and medical expertise, many other disciplines such as diagnostics, medical devices, digitization, data science and even economic-social models are needed to achieve innovation and impact.

Keywords:PARASITOLOGY, VACCINOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY

Disciplines:Preventive medicine, Epidemiology