Project information
National Institute of Virology and Bacteriology (NIVB II)

The new project will provide a framework for financing activities that are essential for the long-term impact of the NIVB platform. These activities will include strengthening collaboration across all partner institutions, international cooperations, hospitals (see attached memoranda of cooperation) and patient organization. We will also emphasize science communication, teaching, training of students, public outreach and dialogue with the general public. NIVB will intensify communication with national health authorities, public-health institutions and other state bodies responsible for preparedness, prevention and response to infectious threats. In this way, NIVB will not only advance excellent research (supported by obtained research grants – see chapter 14), but will also serve as a trusted expert platform linking science, medicine, public health, education, policy and society. The importance of such communication has been highlighted again by the recent international hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius expedition cruise ship, which reminded the public that zoonotic viruses remain a real and unpredictable threat in our highly connected world. This outbreak demonstrated again (after covid pandemic) the need for surveillance, coordinated public-health response, clear risk communication and continued public awareness of infections transmitted to humans.