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H2020Doctoral network2017–2021

HONOURs · Host switching pathogens, infectious outbreaks and zoonosis; a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Training Network

Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2017-04-01 → 2021-03-31
EU contribution
€3,860,396
Participants
13
Scheme
MSCA-ITN-ETN

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Host switching pathogens, infectious outbreaks and zoonosis; a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Training Network

The increase of the human population is accompanied by growing numbers of livestock to feed this population, as well as by an increase of human invasion into natural habitats of wild animals. As a result, both animals and humans are becoming progressively vulnerable to infections with known (zoonotic) pathogens, but are also increasingly exposed to novel viruses. Global trade as well as climate changes can contribute to pathogen transmission, e.g. through import of infected vectors or expansion of habitats for arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes and midges. Infectious disease outbreaks, especially those by novel viruses, are generally unexpected, and therefore we should be prepared with tools and abilities for immediate action, including the identification of the causative agent, the evaluation of its pathogenic potential for animals and humans, and the fast development of diagnostic assays to allow contact tracing and quarantine measures. HONOURs is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Innovative Training Network (MSCA-ITN), that trained 15 talented young researchers to become "preparedness-experts". HONOURs, initiated in April 2017, involved 11 laboratories from 6 different European countries, all at the forefront of novel virus investigations and characterizations. The network was coordinated by Dr Lia van der Hoek (Amsterdam UMC). YouTube: https://youtu.be/njb88XNVtT4 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E_Iqlio0i0 HORIZON, the EU Research & Innovation Magazine: • Q&A: Why history suggests Covid-19 is here to stay | Horizon: the EU Research & Innovation magazine | European Commission (horizon-magazine.eu) • Q&A: How to track down a new virus – and link it to disease | Horizon: the EU Research & Innovation magazine | European Commission (horizon-magazine.eu)

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

The ongoing increase of the human population accompanied by growing numbers of livestock to feed this population, as well as human invasion into natural habitats of wild animals makes humans progressively vulnerable to animal pathogens. Global trade as well as climate changes can contribute to pathogen transmission, e.g. through import of infected vectors or expansion of habitats for arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes and midges. Examples for this include recent European outbreaks of the arthropod-borne Dengue, West Nile, Schmallenberg and Usutu viruses in humans, ruminants and birds. Infectious disease outbreaks in animals are often unexpected, but we should be prepared for immediate identification of the causing agent and the evaluation of its pathogenic potential for animals and humans. Preparedness needs expertise in many areas. At surveillance sites early detection and identification of viruses involved in outbreaks is crucial. Screening of different animal species and humans who have been in close contact with (diseased) animals for known or yet undiscovered viruses will also help to be prepared for future outbreaks. Novel viruses in these populations will have to be evaluated for their pathogenicity in susceptibility studies. The HONOURs network will generate new health and scientific knowledge with the aim to locate, identify, characterize, contain, and control infections that are caused by zoonotic agents. The aim of HONOURs is to provide top-quality cross-disciplinary and supra-sectorial training to 15 promising young researchers at the interface of veterinary and human health, virology, biostatistics, and pathogen discovery. These early stage researchers will become “preparedness- experts”.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • AMSTERDAM UMC RESEARCH BV · AmsterdamCoordinatorNetherlands
  • ACADEMISCH MEDISCH CENTRUM BIJ DE UNIVERSITEIT VAN AMSTERDAM · AmsterdamNetherlands
  • CHARITE - UNIVERSITAETSMEDIZIN BERLIN · BerlinGermany
  • EIDGENOESSISCHES DEPARTEMENT DES INNERN · BernSwitzerland
  • EIDGENOSSISCHES DEPARTEMENT FUR VERTEIDIGUNG, BEVOLKERUNGSSCHUTZ UND SPORT · BernSwitzerland
  • FRIEDRICH LOEFFLER INSTITUT - BUNDESFORSCHUNGSINSTITUT FUER TIERGESUNDHEIT · Greifswald-Insel RiemsGermany
  • GOLD STANDARD DIAGNOSTICS MADRID · MADRIDSpain
  • INTERVET INTERNATIONAL BV · BoxmeerNetherlands
  • KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN · LeuvenBelgium
  • STICHTING BIOMEDICAL PRIMATE RESEARCH CENTER · Rijswijk ZhNetherlands
  • UNIVERSITAET BERN · BernSwitzerland
  • UNIVERSITATSKLINIKUM BONN · BonnGermany
  • UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS · LeedsUnited Kingdom

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union