Medical University of Graz
Since 2020 at the latest, the topics of pandemics, as well as their containment and prevention, have taken center stage. The EU project EVORA (European Viral Outbreak Response Alliance) focuses on preparing for the next global health threat. It brings together the expertise of various European research and health organizations to optimally prepare for a possible future pandemic.
As part of this, the Medical University of Graz hosted the EVORA annual event from June 16 to 18, 2025, and invited participants to a round-table discussion followed by a live demonstration of a mobile isolation unit for patient care in cases of highly infectious diseases.
International experts discussed future strategies for pandemic preparedness
Experts from across Europe gathered at the Medical University of Graz for a high-profile roundtable discussion on pandemic preparedness . Representatives from fields such as government agencies, animal health, disease control, biobanks, high-security laboratories (BSL-4), public health, hospitals, and public health research discussed key challenges and necessary measures for sustainable pandemic preparedness.
A central focus of the discussion was the role of BSL-4 laboratories in preclinical and clinical research. There was consensus that secure and specialized infrastructures are essential for dealing with novel or highly pathogenic pathogens and developing appropriate diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics. Especially against the backdrop of increasing global mobility, climate change, and the spread of formerly tropical diseases in Europe, the need for highly secure laboratory capacity and coordinated response structures will continue to grow.
Other key topics highlighted included the need for an improved European infrastructure network and the consistent implementation of lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to identify existing weaknesses and further expand measures for improved early detection and control of infectious diseases. The tracing of novel viruses and the influence of global travel as a driver of infection were also critically examined.
Under the overarching principle of "One Health Responsibility" – the understanding that humans, animals, and the environment are inextricably linked – the participants emphasized the need for a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to pandemic preparedness. With today's event, the Medical University of Graz made an important contribution to European networking and shared scientific and strategic exchange.
The mission of EVORA
EVORA aims to create a comprehensive and coordinated framework to pool the European Union's research and response capacities to infectious disease threats. This ranges from communication and quality management activities to the development of policy recommendations for the EU and beyond.
The project aims to address urgent needs related to the emergence of viral pathogens. The issues that the project team will address include fragmented research, insufficient capacity in high-security laboratories and patient isolation units, regulatory barriers, and governance issues. The project aims to develop a robust, EU-wide network with appropriate infrastructure and a joint action plan for future pandemics.