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. 2021 Jul 26;17(1):84.
doi: 10.1186/s12992-021-00731-2.

Global infectious disease research collaborations in crises: building capacity and inclusivity through cooperation

Jonathon P Fanning  1   2   3 , Srinivas Murthy  4 , Nchafatso G Obonyo  5   6   7   8 , J Kenneth Baillie  9   10 , Steve Webb  11 , Heidi J Dalton  12 , John F Fraser  5   6
Affiliations

Global infectious disease research collaborations in crises: building capacity and inclusivity through cooperation

Jonathon P Fanning et al. Global Health. .

Abstract

Background: The initial research requirements in pandemics are predictable. But how is it possible to study a disease that is so quickly spreading and to rapidly use that research to inform control and treatment?

Main body: In our view, a dilemma with such wide-reaching impact mandates multi-disciplinary collaborations on a global scale. International research collaboration is the only means to rapidly address these fundamental questions and potentially change the paradigm of data sharing for the benefit of patients throughout the world. International research collaboration presents significant benefits but also barriers that need to be surmounted, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Conclusion: Facilitating international cooperation, by building capacity in established collaborative platforms and in low- and middle-income countries, is imperative to efficiently answering the priority clinical research questions that can change the trajectory of a pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; Infectious diseases; Pandemics; Research collaboration; Research networks.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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