We may not know exactly how the next pandemic might unfold, but we do know that investment in research, international and cross-sector collaborations, and societal engagement are some of the most important steps we can take to be ready to respond quickly to a potential new risk and to ensure the fair dissemination of scientific discoveries.

With this in mind, the “Stavros Niarchos” Foundation supports with a donation of 75 million dollars the creation of “SNF Institute for Global Infectious Disease Research» at Rockefeller University in New York.

As mentioned in a related announcement of the Foundation, the new Institute, which was inaugurated in January 2023, looks forward to accelerating the processes between scientific discoveries and their practical application. This is expected to be achieved through supporting interdisciplinary international collaborations, bridging the gap between laboratory research and its practical application and strengthening communication between the scientific community and citizens.

The institute will be conducted by Nobel laureate Charles Ricealong with immunologist Michel Nussenzweig, and Rockefeller University Hospital physician-in-chief Barry Kohler.

In particular, the Institute will encourage biomedical research, fostering collaboration between scientists from different disciplines, as well as the integration of new researchers. In addition, it will support clinical research conducted at Rockefeller University Hospital, while also aiming to foster systematic collaboration between scientists from around the world, organizing international conferences, and expanding Rockefeller University Hospital’s efforts to provide reliable information to the public and governments. Beyond ensuring preparedness in the event of potential future pandemics, the Institute’s work also aims to address persistently endemic pathogens around the world, such as malaria, tuberculosis, Zika and HIV, as well as address emerging threats globally .

“When dealing with infectious diseases, we cannot talk about exclusively local challenges and our response must be global,” the president of the “Stavros Niarchos” Foundation states in a related announcementAndreas Dracopoulos. “Our ability to respond to existing and emerging diseases must be rapid, flexible and internationally applicable – as is the nature of pathogenic viruses. Rockefeller University’s long experience in science and translational research in biomedicine offers an unprecedented advantage, which can form the basis for the creation of an international collaboration center, with the prospect of helping to bridge the gap between research and practical application of the under the form of treatments in patients”he adds.

The work of the Institute will be based on collaboration between laboratories within the University that have been developed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgent need for investment in infectious disease research to enable the development of broadly effective and durable vaccines and treatments,” says Rockefeller University President Richard Lifton, adding: “The SNF Institute for Global Infectious Disease Research will accelerate the implementation of innovative research, provide education on scientific issues, and promote awareness of the international community.”

“Pathogenic diseases will continue to emerge in the future, and we need coordinated, intensive research to be prepared. The new Institute will provide us with the means to foster global collaborations and the ability to support everything from infectious disease research to clinical development.” points out the director of the Institute, Charles Rice.

The support of the “Stavros Niarchos” Foundation for the establishment of the Institute is part of the ongoing international Health Initiative implemented by the Foundation, the largest initiative in its history, with a total budget exceeding 750 million dollars. It includes the design, construction and equipment of three new hospitals in Greece, the supply of specialized medical equipment, such as new aircraft for the EKAV air transport, educational programs for the further training of health professionals, efforts to expand access to quality mental health services health, such as the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Initiative in Greece, and partnerships with leading institutions in the field of health and education, such as Columbia University and the National Children’s Alliance in the USA, the Sant Joan de Déu Children’s Hospital in Barcelona, ​​the King Hussein Cancer Foundation and its corresponding center in Jordan and the Yorkshire Cancer Research organization in the United Kingdom.