International Initiatives Accelerating Research and Development Beyond STAR IDAZ IRC 

Research and development (R&D) are fundamental for developing effective disease prevention and control tools, utilising existing knowledge, and mitigating disease impacts. Several initiatives have been launched at both regional and global levels to accelerate research and deliver timely solutions for emerging issues.

This chapter aims to provide a list of key network initiatives, funding opportunities and regulatory easing measures. These initiatives are designed to accelerate the delivery of R&D relevant to the animal health sector.

AfVANET – African Vaccinology Network 

AfVANET promotes collaboration among African scientists to advance vaccine research and development on the continent.

http://afvanet.org/

AgResults Brucellosis and FMD vaccine prizes

AgResults offers pay-for-results  prize competitions to encourage innovative solutions for brucellosis control and foot-and-mouth disease through vaccination.  

https://brucellosisvaccine.org

Foot and Mouth Disease Project

ANTI-VeC: Application of Novel Transgenic technology & inherited symbionts to Vector Control

Focused on innovative vector control technologies, ANTI-VeC network leverages transgenic methods to tackle vector-borne diseases.  

http://www.anti-vec.net

AREF – African Research Excellence Fund

AREF supports African researchers in addressing health challenges through capacity building and funding opportunities.  

https://www.africaresearchexcellencefund.org.uk/

CaribVET – Caribbean Animal Health Network

CaribVET enhances animal health in the Caribbean through collaborative surveillance, diagnostics and research activities.  

Caribbean animal health network (caribvet.net)

CEPI – Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, is a global partnership working to accelerate the development of vaccines and other biologic countermeasures against epidemic and pandemic threats.

http://cepi.net/

CWG AHW – Collaborative Working Group on European Animal Health and Welfare Research 

CWG AHW coordinates animal health and welfare research efforts across Europe, fostering collaboration and innovation.  It acts as the STAR IDAZ European Union Regional Network.

http://www.scar-cwg-ahw.org/

ECOHEALTH ALLIANCE

A global organisation focused on the intersection of wildlife, ecosystems and human health. It conducts research and implements strategies to prevent pandemics and promote environmental health.  https://www.ecohealthalliance.org/programs

EDCTP – European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership

While focused on human health, EDCTP supports research on zoonotic and poverty-related diseases, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Its One Health-relevant research complements efforts in AMR, TB, and vector-borne diseases.

https://www.edctp.org

ERFAN – Enhancing Research for Africa Network

ERFAN strengthens veterinary and animal health research capacities in Africa through collaborative projects and training.

https://www.izs.it/IZS/Cooperazione_1/IZSAM_in_Africa/ERFAN_-_Enhancing_Research_For_Africa_Network

ERRAZE@WUR – Early Recognition and Rapid Action in Zoonotic Emergencies

The WUR initiative aims to improve early detection and response to zoonotic disease outbreaks through research and innovation.

https://www.wur.nl/en/Research-Results/Research-programmes/Cross-WUR-programmes/ERRAZE-at-WUR.htm

EUPAHW – European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare

EUPAHW fosters collaboration among European stakeholders to enhance animal health and welfare through research and policy.

European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare – Home (eupahw.eu)

FIND: Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics

FIND works to accelerate the development and delivery of accurate and affordable diagnostic tests for diseases of poverty.  

https://www.finddx.org

GALVmed – Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines

GALVmed focuses on developing and delivering vaccines and medicines for livestock diseases in LMICs.  

https://www.galvmed.org/

GARA – Global African Swine Fever Research Alliance 

GARA coordinates international research efforts to control and prevent African swine fever through scientific collaboration.

https://www.ars.usda.gov/GARA/

GBADs- Global Burden of Animal Diseases

GBADS aims to quantify the global impact of animal diseases on economies, food security and public health to guide policy.  

https://animalhealthmetrics.org/

Global Vector Hub

A comprehensive platform for vector control and research collaboration

The Global Vector Hub provides resources, data, and networking opportunities for vector control professionals worldwide.  

https://globalvectorhub.tghn.org

GFRA – Global Foot-and-mouth Research Alliance

GFRA promotes international research collaboration to control and eradicate foot-and-mouth disease globally.  

https://www.ars.usda.gov/gfra

GloPID-R – Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness

GloPID-R coordinates research funding and activities to respond rapidly to infectious disease outbreaks worldwide.  

https://www.glopid-r.org/

GOARN – Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network

GOARN unites institutions and networks to respond to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies globally.

https://goarn.who.int/

GRAbTB – Global Research Alliance for Bovine Tuberculosis 

GRAbTB fosters international collaboration to advance research and control measures for bovine tuberculosis.  

https://www.STAR IDAZ.net/global-research-alliance-for-bovine-tuberculosis-grabtb/

HERA Invest

HERA Invest supports the development and deployment of medical countermeasures for health emergencies in the EU.  

https://health.ec.europa.eu/hera-invest_en

IHI – Innovative Health Initiative 

IHI drives innovation in healthcare by funding collaborative projects that address major health challenges in Europe.  

https://www.ihi.europa.eu

InnoVet-AMR – Innovative Veterinary Solutions for Antimicrobial Resistance 

InnoVet-AMR supports the development of novel veterinary solutions to combat antimicrobial resistance globally.  

https://www.idrc.ca/en/initiative/innovet-amr-innovative-veterinary-solutions-antimicrobial-resistance

IOM – The International Organization for Mycoplasmology 

IOM advances research on mycoplasmas, fostering scientific exchange and collaboration among researchers worldwide.  

http://iom-online.org/

 IVVN – International Veterinary Vaccinology Network 

IVVN supports the development of vaccines for livestock and zoonotic diseases through international collaboration and funding.  

http://intvetvaccnet.co.uk/ 

LVIF – Livestock Vaccine Innovation Fund

LVIF invests in the development and commercialisation of vaccines to improve livestock health and productivity.  

https://www.idrc.ca/en/initiative/livestock-vaccine-innovation-fund

OFFLU – WOAH/FAO Network of Expertise on Animal Influenza

OFFLU enhances global coordination and expertise on animal influenza, contributing to pandemic preparedness and response.  

https://www.offlu.org

One Health AMR partnership

The co-funded European Partnership on One Health antimicrobial resistance should be implemented from 2025 through a joint programme of activities ranging from coordinating transnational research efforts to other activities such as coordination and networking activities, capacity building programmes, brokerage and mobility programmes, work on research infrastructures and resources, including training and dissemination activities. 

https://www.horizon-europe.gouv.fr/european-partnership-one-health-anti-microbial-resistance-33829

One Health EJP- European Joint Programme Co-fund on One Health

One Health EJP integrates efforts across human, animal and environmental health to tackle zoonotic diseases in Europe. The programme officially ended in 2023. Archive and outputs still accessible.

 https://onehealthejp.eu/

PANDORA – Pan-African Network for Rapid Research, Response and Preparedness for Infectious Diseases 

PANDORA focuses on enhancing Africa’s capacity for rapid response and research during infectious disease outbreaks.  

https://www.pandora-id.net

PREZODE – Preventing Zoonotic Disease Emergence 

PREZODE aims to reduce the risk of zoonotic disease emergence through interdisciplinary research and international cooperation.  

https://prezode.org

UK-ICN:  International Coronavirus Research and Innovation Network 

UK-ICN fosters global collaboration on coronavirus research, aiming to accelerate the development of diagnostics, treatments and vaccines.  

https://uk-icn.co.uk

VectorBite Research Coordination Network

A network for advancing vector biology research

VectorBite coordinates research efforts on vector biology, focusing on vector-host interactions and disease transmission dynamics.

https://vectorbite.org/about-rcn/

VectorNet: European network for sharing data on the geographic distribution of arthropod vectors, transmitting human and animal disease agents 

European network for sharing data on the geographic distribution of arthropod vectors  

VectorNet facilitates data exchange on arthropod vectors, enhancing the understanding and control of vector-borne diseases in Europe.  

https://ecdc.europa.eu/en/about-us/partnerships-and-networks/disease-and-laboratory-networks/vector-net

VetLAB: International Atomic Energy Agency’s veterinary laboratory network

VetLAB enhances veterinary diagnostics and disease control through a global network of laboratories and technology transfer.  

https://www.iaea.org/services/networks/vetlab

WHO R&D Blueprint

 The WHO R&D Blueprint aims to fast-track the availability of effective tests, vaccines and medicines during epidemics.

http://www.who.int/blueprint/en/

WOAH Reference Laboratories Network

This network supports global animal health through standardised diagnostics, proficiency testing and disease surveillance.

https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-offer/expertise-network

ZODIAC – Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action

ZODIAC focuses on early detection and control of zoonotic diseases, leveraging nuclear and nuclear-derived techniques.  

https://www.iaea.org/services/zodiac