29 International collaboration to advance research preparedness and response
Rojek A., Carson G.
Pandemic preparedness and research response bring together multiple disciplines and organizations to coordinate action across geographical and specialty boundaries. At their best, these international collaborations provide rapid, robust answers to key scientific questions. But several recent pandemics, notably coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), have revealed less than ideal levels of international collaboration. This chapter discusses factors that limit collaboration and some of the risks of a global research response ecosystem prone to delay and error. Using several case studies as examples, this chapter proposes measures to better prepare and implement international collaborations in future outbreaks, including the strategic allocation of funding to support well-designed, expedited clinical research to answer key clinical and public health questions.