European scientists call for pandemic influenza research network!

European scientists call for pandemic influenza research network!

Leading influenza experts have called for a European network for influenza research and response to improve collaboration between science and policy in order to be better prepared for future pandemics. In an article published in the journal “The Lancet” on February 18, 2025, Professor Dr. Gülşah Gabriel from the Institute of Virology at TiHo believes that Europe should establish a model similar to the Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response (CEIRR) in the USA. This model has proven effective in enabling a rapid response to the H5N1 situation and providing important data for policy decisions.

Although the European research landscape is strong, a major problem is the fragmentation of funding programs, which often only offer short-term and non-renewable cycles. This uncertainty makes it difficult for researchers to work sustainably. Professor Gabriel and other experts therefore advocate a long-term financed and coordinated network that can be built along the lines of CEIRR to strengthen the fight against pandemics in Europe. Such a network could not only contribute to influenza research, but also improve the ability to respond to new infectious diseases.

Risk assessment and economic reasoning

Virologist Florian Krammer also emphasizes the urgency of an influenza research network in Europe. He points out that the current distribution of European influenza researchers and uncertain funding pose a major risk. In particular, the possibility of further flu pandemics is serious, as history shows: there have been four significant pandemics in the last century, including the Spanish flu (H1N1, 1918-1920) and the swine flu (H1N1, 2009).

Krammer warns in particular of the dangers of the H5N1 flu virus, which has infected several herds of cattle in the United States and also caused human infections. The seasonal influenza wave in the United States is strong and H5N1 activity is high, making the need for an effective response network even more urgent. Hospitals in various states have already been directed to determine the influenza subtype in patients. Such a network could not only strengthen research, but also ensure constant exchange with local authorities and the European Health Agency ECDC.

A call to political decision-makers

The need for a sustainable European network for influenza research is undisputed. Krammer calls for unbureaucratic management of such centers by academics. In addition, a close connection to decision-makers at national and EU level must be ensured. These steps are crucial to avoid the economic costs of past pandemics, which run into the trillions, and to invest in the future health of Europe's population.

The researchers' concern is clear: a European counterpart to CEIRR could not only improve the ability to respond to influenza pandemics, but also ensure long-term public health in Europe. Stakeholders from science and politics are now called upon to realize this vision and invest in the necessary structures.

Overall, the statements by Professor Gabriel and Dr. Krammer emphasized the urgency and relevance of this initiative for the future of influenza research in Europe and the associated health and economic risks.

In summary, the experts call for a coordinated effort to prepare Europe for future challenges in influenza and other infectious diseases, which is important in the long term not only for health but also for the economy. A European influenza research network could be a crucial element in this strategy.

For more information on this topic, see reporting by tiho-hannover.de, studium.at and additional information from ecdc.europa.eu.