NUIG Joins EU Pandemic Preparation Initiative

NUI Galway has joined a European Union initiative dedicated to preparing Europe for possible future pandemics.

Named PANDEM-2, the Irish led initiative hopes to prepare for potential pandemics through cross border cooperation between EU member states.

The EU has granted €10 million to the project, which is one of 10 in the larger EU initiative PREPARE, dedicated to preparing the continent for future pandemics.

PANDEM-2 is dedicated to developing IT systems and improving the management of essential resources like PPE, hospital beds and vaccines.

The project is co-ordinated by NUIG Professor Professor Máire Connolly. "We are delighted to be a part of the PREPARE cluster and working with so many excellent projects supported by the EU," she said. "COVID-19 has had a devastating economic, social and health impact on countries worldwide and we must adopt a collective approach in our response strategy to future crises. We look forward to exploring synergies, research opportunities and delivering joint activities to ensure Europe is better prepared for the next pandemic."

In total, €72 million has been allocated to the projects under the PREPARE banner. Other projects involved will focus on preparing the manufacturing sector for increased production of vital equipment; creating better policy guidance; improving the responses of government and public health bodies; and analysing the impact of pandemics on the public.