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OUR ALLIANCE

The Pandemic Research Alliance (PRA) is a global collaborative initiative founded in 2023, dedicated to advancing knowledge, solutions, and cooperation in the field of pandemic research. Comprised of six esteemed founding member institutions from China, Australia, the United States, Singapore, and Hong Kong, the PRA brings together diverse expertise and resources to address the unprecedented challenges posed by pandemics.

 Why should we set up this alliance?

  • COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has caused 7 million deaths and overwhelmed healthcare systems globally.

  • Long-term health effects and socioeconomic disruptions are still unfolding.

  • Urgent scientific research is needed to prepare for future pandemics.

  • Research can improve our understanding, develop vaccines, and enhance preparedness.

  • Collaboration and innovation are key to building a resilient healthcare system.

  • Preventing and preparing for future pandemics saves lives and ensures a healthier future.

What are the potential pandemic agents? 

  • 1997: Avian influenza A H5N1 outbreak in Hong Kong leads to global spread and evolution of the virus, with occasional transmission to humans and over 50% mortality.

  • 2012: Avian influenza A H7N9 outbreak in Shanghai with a 30% mortality rate.

  • Reassortment of virus genome segments and frequent mutations pose a risk for future influenza pandemics.

  • 2019: California influenza A H1N1 pandemic virus has a swine virus backbone and low mortality, a fortunate outcome.

  • 2003: SARS-CoV-1 outbreak with almost causing a pandemic and 10% mortality.

  • 2013: Outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) with a 30% mortality rate, still ongoing.

  • Extensive spillover of coronaviruses and influenza viruses in the last 30 years suggests more outbreaks to come.

  • Interval between the 2009 influenza pandemic and the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic is just 10 years.

  • Rising global population, demand for animal proteins leading to habitat infringement, and high international travel increase the likelihood of future pandemics.

  • Paramyxoviruses like Nipah virus (1996) and Enterovirus A71 (1998, re-emerged in 2008) also pose a significant impact on the younger population.

Our mission

  • PRA brings together leading institutions worldwide to address current and future pandemics.

  • PRA promotes research, education, and public outreach to advance pandemic solutions.

  • Collaboration with industry, non-profit organizations, and governments ensures the timely implementation of effective solutions.

  • PRA serves as a platform for innovative research collaboration among member institutions and partners in academia, industry, and government.

  • PRA increases accessibility to educational resources to cultivate future talents.

  • PRA strengthens ties among member institutions and fosters new connections for broader and stronger pandemic control and prevention approaches.

Membership: who are the leading experts in the field? 

  • Founding members of PRA include institutions from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and the United States.

  • Member institutions: Columbia University, New York; Doherty Institute at the University of Melbourne, Melbourne; Duke-National University of Singapore; National Laboratory of Guangzhou; Tsinghua University; and The University of Hong Kong.

  • These institutions possess leading expertise and unique technologies in addressing emerging infectious disease agents.

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