Co-Development, Management, and Strengthening of Localized Genomic Diagnosis and Bioinformatics Analysis Networks

We invite European partners to lead or integrate consortia dedicated to the co-development and strengthening of next-generation epidemiological surveillance networks. These networks integrate genomic diagnosis, bioinformatics analysis, and localized health and environmental information, creating a system for early warning and localized adaptive response to pathogens of regional and global relevance.

OUR APPROACH AND VALUE ADDED:

Our network of organizations possesses demonstrated capacity and experience in the creation and operational management of multidisciplinary genomic surveillance systems. With a broad historical trajectory in monitoring viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens, this organizational network played a leading role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its contribution was critical for activities such as the detection and genomic mapping of SARS-CoV-2 variants, informing local governments for decision-making, and direct support for the national development of a polyvalent COVID vaccine. This expertise constitutes a fundamental asset.

We propose to substantially expand the reach and depth of this organizational network through its synergistic integration with community digital transformation nodes. This combination would allow the creation of a localized system of epidemiological control and molecular diagnosis (e.g., decentralized PCR capacity), highly adapted to the environmental and social conditions of specific territories, transforming raw data into actionable health intelligence in near real-time.

EXPECTED RESULT AND NEED FOR COOPERATION:

The final result we aspire to is the creation of a more robust, decentralized, and predictive epidemiological surveillance infrastructure, capable of responding with agility to health emergencies and to the endemicity of pathogens with environmental burdens. To achieve this qualitative advance, we seek partners who contribute with:

• Experience in designing data architectures and bioinformatics platforms for the integration, analysis, and visualization of genomic, clinical, and environmental data flows.

• Knowledge in the development of portable or point-of-care tools for genomic sequencing and molecular diagnosis.

• Expertise in data governance models and interoperability standards for international public health networks.

• Capacity and interest for co-submission to strategic international funding calls, particularly those aligned with Horizon Europe, Cluster 1 (Health) for pathogen research components and Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry and Space) for the development of the necessary data and artificial intelligence platforms, as well as initiatives like the European Health Data Space (EHDS).

PROFILE OF THE EUROPEAN PARTNER SOUGHT:

We seek to collaborate with a diversity of actors, from research consortia in infectious diseases and bioinformatics, to health technology companies and European public health agencies. We value partners with demonstrable experience in building genomic surveillance networks, in developing next-generation sequencing (NGS) solutions, and in applying artificial intelligence to epidemiology. We seek opportunities both to integrate and strengthen our capabilities within existing consortia, and to co-lead innovative proposals that position these integrated networks as a key component for global health security and translational research in the Global South.

This collaboration represents a strategic opportunity to build a 21st-century epidemiological surveillance model: locally rooted, globally connected, and technologically advanced, leveraging the knowledge of both continents to protect population health against current and future microbiological threats.