European Ebola research capacity mapped through new collaboration between primate research centres
European primate research centres are strengthening their collaboration to help Europe become better prepared for future health crises. A first concrete result was achieved immediately during the PrimeMeet Europe Congress: participating organisations launched a joint inventory of Europe’s NHP capacity for Ebola research.
During the congress, research centres and partner organisations agreed to intensify cooperation in the areas of research, knowledge exchange, animal welfare and infrastructure in order to strengthen Europe’s position in biomedical research and accelerate innovation.
The collaboration aims to support the faster development of diagnostics, vaccines and medicines for major societal challenges such as future pandemics, age-related diseases, chronic conditions and other unmet medical needs.
During the congress on 26 and 27 May, the organisations discussed how expertise, training methods and research models can be shared more effectively and how they can work more closely together to improve the reliability and reproducibility of research results. They also explored how specialised facilities and expertise across Europe could be used more efficiently.
According to the signatories, this collaboration is urgently needed. Europe possesses unique expertise in infectious diseases, neuroscience, vaccine development and translational research. At the same time, knowledge, capacity and infrastructure are under increasing pressure. By working more closely together, the centres hope to safeguard scientific expertise and Europe’s innovation capacity for the future.
“The health challenges to which primate research can make an essential contribution are universal and do not stop at national borders,” says Merel Langelaar, director of Biomedical Primate Research Centre and organiser of the congress. “By connecting knowledge, expertise and infrastructure more strongly at a European level, we can respond more rapidly to emerging infectious diseases and accelerate medical innovation.”
At the same time, the organisations emphasise that research involving primates comes with great responsibility. In the declaration, they reaffirm their commitment to the 3Rs principles: replacement, reduction and refinement of animal research, as well as the development, validation and recognition of animal-free innovations such as NAMs (New Approach Methodologies).
The organisations also state that they will continue investing in animal welfare, ethical review and responsible scientific research.
The declaration further highlights the importance of collaboration between scientists, universities, research institutes, medical centres and the pharmaceutical industry. Cooperation with policymakers, regulators and society is also becoming increasingly important, according to the organisations.
The participating organisations stress that international collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential in a world where infectious diseases can rapidly spread across borders, ageing populations place increasing pressure on healthcare systems and many diseases still lack adequate diagnostics or treatments.
According to the signatories, the joint declaration marks an important step towards a stronger and more connected European network for responsible biomedical research and innovation. Through this collaboration, the organisations aim to help ensure that Europe remains prepared for future health threats while continuing to create opportunities for medical breakthroughs.
