Emerging infectious diseases, the network initiated by the NRP looks to a future as a technological innovation hub
Inf-Act Foundation's strategy to consolidate its experience and expand its operational capacity on the wave of projects financed and realised thanks to the commitment of more than 800 researchers working in 70 institutions including public and proven universities, Irccs, research centres and companies
Three years after the start of INF-ACT, the Extended Partnership project on the topic of emerging infectious diseases, we begin to take stock at the end of the funding period with Pnrr resources made available by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR).No doubt the greatest challenge has been met: to create a scientific network capable of functioning in a 'multidisciplinary and holistic' manner. Today, more than 800 researchers are working on issues related to emerging infectious diseases, located in 70 institutions distributed throughout the country, including public and private universities, research bodies, Irccs, and small and medium-sized enterprises. A network that has almost tripled compared to the 25 institutions of the initial group. And, among the results, it must be emphasised that, despite its size, there is great cohesion and a strong will to continue activities.
Uncertainty about the future
The focus now shifts beyond the end of the NRP funding. The challenge will be to maintain the tangible and intangible infrastructure created over time, turning it into lasting resources to support research and our country's health system.
Today, the Inf-Act network is a reference point on infectious diseases in our country, and the Pnrr funds have made it possible to invest in people and consolidate the network. At the same time, a conspicuous investment has been made in widespread technologies: many laboratories have increased their capacity to do research, modernising their 'machine park' and implementing innovative technologies and approaches for research.
The meetings organised in this three-year period have stimulated dialogue between the many facets of clinical, basic and translational research on emerging infectious diseases by applying the concepts of One Health. Along these lines, we have extensively involved the veterinary sector, integrated environmental monitoring and exploited the latest technological applications to predict the possible spread of public health threats.
In a few months' time, however, it will be necessary to find new economic resources, sufficient to keep the established infrastructure functioning, maximise its usability and consolidate the human capital that has worked to support the network over the past three years. The 350 researchers of the original team have been joined by more than 400 new recruits, including temporary researchers, PhD students, scholarship holders, and technicians and technologists. And, thanks to the cascading calls, 9 projects have been financed, which in turn have involved around 200 researchers.
