BE READY: Review progress and set priorities

The first half of 2026 has been remarkably productive, reflecting the strong collective engagement across all areas of BE READY.

A strong foundation for the BE READY partnership

From January to June 2026, all Work Packages (WPs) have successfully launched their activities, held their kick-off meetings, and established regular monthly exchanges.

This period was also marked by four Operating Group (OG) meetings, which helped to reinforce synergies and alignment across the project. The latest OG meeting, held online on 17 June, provided a valuable opportunity to review the progress achieved to date and outline priorities for the rest of the year.

BE READY’s response to the Andes hantavirus outbreak

BE READY has played an active role in the response to the Andes hantavirus outbreak, involving three WPs supporting the development of a research ecosystem that remains prepared and responsive (the ‘ever-warm’ research ecosystem).

The BE READY partnership also responded to WHO’s request to support the NAVIS study (Natural History of Andes Virus Infection in a Shipboard Outbreak), which is designed to improve understanding of Andes virus transmission dynamics, incubation periods, immune responses, viral kinetics, and determinants of severe disease through harmonised longitudinal follow-up of exposed individuals. This international study is coordinated through WP12 BE READY and ANRS MIE, in close collaboration with Ecraid, ISARIC, Penta and University College London.

Furthermore, BE READY has played a key role in coordinating with European mechanisms and institutions, mobilising its research and development ecosystem to identify research needs and capacities.

A call dedicated to strengthening Europe’s pandemic preparedness

The Joint Transnational Call (JTC) supports innovative, collaborative, interdisciplinary and transnational research projects aimed at improving understanding of the pandemic potential of emerging pathogens, elucidating the pathophysiology induced by these pathogens, and developing innovative medical countermeasures.

The first stage of JTC2026 was completed in April 2026, and the second stage is underway. Preparations for JTC2027 are also progressing, with the next call expected to be launched in January 2027.

Participation at various external events

BE READY has been actively represented at several key European events:

• Health Partnerships Day in Brussels,
• The platform for the European Interdisciplinary, Transdisciplinary, Holistic One Health (PEITHO) webinar on One Health Research and Innovation,
• The PREPARE-EU Workshop in Germany,
• The 2^nd RICH Europe Symposium on Research Infrastructures in Italy.

In parallel, BE READY partners took part in events such as PandemNett, a new Norwegian network for pandemic research preparedness, and the European Competitiveness seminar on Health Research & Innovation, highlighting the importance of stronger transnational collaboration across Europe.

Keeping the pandemic preparedness community informed

BE READY’s communication efforts aim to show that Europe is building the systems, networks and knowledge base needed to respond to the next health emergency swiftly, equitably and transparently.

The BE READY LinkedIn account has been actively developed, with numerous posts published to enhance visibility and engagement. The new website is currently being finalised and will be available soon. In addition, a monthly internal newsletter will be introduced in September 2026 to ensure regular updates and communication among partners.