The BE READY Network Steering Committee Meeting took place in Madrid at the premises of Instituto de Salud Carlos III, over two days, on Tuesday, September 24th, and Wednesday, September 25th.
The meeting featured discussions on several key work packages central to the BE READY project. The agenda covered project management, partnership development, and coordination with key European and international initiatives, with special emphasis on the strategic role of the future Partnership within the European building blocks for pandemic preparedness.
The following key areas were addressed during the meeting:
• Development of the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA): Updates on the SRIA were shared, focusing on how it aligns with pandemic preparedness goals across Europe
• Collaboration between Member States: The meeting explored ongoing efforts to enhance coordination among EU member states for a more integrated response to health crises
• Synergies with EU and International Organisations: Discussion of the partnerships formed between BE READY and other European and international bodies to ensure coherent and aligned efforts in pandemic preparedness
• Preparation of the Future Pandemic Preparedness Partnership: Exchanges among BE READY partners, member states, and associated countries on creating a robust framework for the upcoming partnership
• Finalisation of the SRIA and Public Consultation: The SRIA’s final stages were discussed, including plans for an upcoming public consultation in autumn 2024
Throughout the two days, work packages addressing health research, biotech innovation, cooperation with HERA, and communication and outreach were presented and discussed. These discussions reinforced the alignment of BE READY with the broader EU Global Health Strategy, ensuring that its outcomes remain focused on strengthening Europe’s pandemic preparedness. There were also discussions on efforts to share research priorities between BE READY partners, particularly in the context of the mpox outbreak.
The NSC meeting concluded with valuable input from the project’s external advisory board, alongside commitments from the project partners to continue driving forward the development of the partnership proposal and ensuring continued engagement with relevant stakeholders. The public consultation on the SRIA will begin in autumn 2024, marking an important milestone for the project.
Photo Credit: © ISCIII