Workshop

Translating European Expertise to Pandemic Preparedness

Braunschweig
28.04.26 - 29.04.26
Scientific
HZI Campus

PREPARE-EU Workshop

It is our pleasure to invite you to our workshop PREPARE-EU “Translating European Expertise to Pandemic Preparedness“, which is held within the framework of the EU project PCR-4-ALL (coordinated by KU Leuven, Belgium), taking place in Braunschweig, Germany, from April 28-29, 2026.

After a very successful spring school connecting diverse European pandemic Preparedness initiatives, we would now like to provide a follow-up, with a workshop looking more closely into Translation perspectives. How can research initiatives more clearly be translated to action? What is the role of newer institutions and organisations in a European pandemic Preparedness Framework?

The aim of pandemic preparedness research is to ensure, through multidisciplinary efforts, that a rapid and effective response can be mounted at any time to emerging infectious agents with pandemic potential. With this in mind, the workshop is aimed at doctoral and postdoctoral students as well as other experts from academia and industry who are active in a wide variety of research and activity fields, such as infectious diseases, emerging health threats, zoonotic transmission, technologies for the detection of infectious diseases, epidemiology, mathematical and economic modeling of pandemics, vaccinology, One Health approaches, and the social and ethical implications of pandemics. 

The workshop will convene distinguished experts and researchers from across the Europe to advance the discussion on pandemic preparedness to further develop well-established as well as to formulate new and creative approaches. The meeting will provide a platform for high-level scientific exchange and foster interdisciplinary collaboration at the interface of epidemiology and its neighboring disciplines. We are looking forward to welcoming you in Braunschweig for this important event dedicated to shaping the future of pandemic preparedness – one of the major global challenges ahead.

Where: Forum, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) , Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany


CONFIRMED SPEAKERS 


PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

28 April 2026, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a conference dinner 
•    Session I – Research for a European Pandemic Preparedness Framework
•    Session II – Data Spaces, Modelling & AI – From Prediction to Policy Decisions
•    Session III – Diagnostics, Digital Tools for Europe - Next Generation Surveillance

29 April 2026, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
•    Session IV – Assessing and Implementing Counter Measures for Pandemics
•    Session V – Policy Roundtable - A Roadmap for a Connected European Preparedness Network


REGISTRATION AND ABSTRACT SUBMISSION

Registration and abstract submission are open now. Due to limited capacity, early registration is strongly recommended. Once the maximum number of participants is reached, a waiting list will be established.  

Registration deadline: 13th April 2026

We warmly welcome abstract submissions for poster presentations or talks.

Please structure your abstract according to standard scientific conventions: Introduction, Methods and Materials, Results, Discussion, and Outlook. Submissions should be clear, concise, and focused on the essential findings. The maximum length is 400 words (approx. 2,000 characters). Abstracts not meeting these criteria will not be considered.

Abstract submission deadline: 20th March 2026 

Submit Abstract here 

Partners involved

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If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Contact us

Organising Team

Elisabeth Bastkowski
Helga Brink
Robyn Kettlitz
Carolina Klett-Tammen
Christina Kuczewski
Maren Wieder

Practical Information

More information about your travel to HZI and your stay in Braunschweig
HZI | HZI Campus
HZI | Directions to HZI Campus

Recommended Hotels in Braunschweig:
Magni Boutique Hotel
Website: https://www.magniboutiquehotel.de 
IntercityHotel Braunschweig
Website: IntercityHotel Braunschweig
Pentahotel Braunschweig
Website: Willkommen im Penta Hotel in Braunschweig | Penta Hotels
B&B Hotel Braunschweig
Website: Günstige Hotels in Braunschweig ❘ B&B Hotels
Information about other hotels in Braunschweig can be found on the tourist information website
Website: Unterkünfte

 

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Vanessa Melhorn

Press contact

Dr Vanessa Melhorn