Collaboration of the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and the French ANRS | Emerging Infectious Diseases (ANRS | MIE) to advance research in infectious diseases

Scope of Collaboration

The MoU outlines a focused collaboration in three key areas. Firstly, both organisations will jointly assess research priorities, seeking to improve understanding of infection and disease mechanisms and develop joint research programmes in the priority areas. Secondly, the DZIF and ANRS | MIE will cross-participate in scientific events and working groups, fostering information sharing and knowledge transfer. Lastly, the collaboration is designed to promote the sharing of information and the valorisation of research results within their communities and networks.

Future Actions

Collaborative activities within this partnership include the support of young researcher exchange programmes, fostering intra-European collaborative research. The two parties DZIF and ANRS | MIE will also work together on the development of joint research projects and seek additional funding opportunities, including at the European Commission level. Furthermore, the MoU allows for the reciprocal provision of expertise by staff and experts associated with the organisations, which will deepen the collaborative efforts. Additionally, the collaboration extends to strengthening advocacy and lobbying activities on key scientific strategies that impact the infectious disease research landscape.

Joint Steering Committee

To ensure the effective implementation of collaborative actions, a Joint Steering Committee will be established. This committee, comprising ten members including representatives from both DZIF and ANRS | MIE, will meet regularly to discuss cooperative activities, evaluate mutual interests and plan research activities. The Joint Steering Committee will play a pivotal role in driving the collaboration forward, ensuring that it remains focused, productive, and aligned with the goals set out in the MoU.

Signing Ceremony

The official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding took place on November 6th, 2023, within the ANRS | MIE offices in Paris. Prof. Maura Dandri (Executive Board DZIF), Dr Timo Jäger (CEO DZIF) and Pr Yazdan Yazdanpanah (Director ANRS | MIE) signed the memorandum.

This collaboration sets the stage for a dynamic partnership between DZIF and ANRS | MIE, propelling infectious disease research into new frontiers and making significant strides in the priority research areas. Both organisations are committed to advancing public health and global scientific knowledge through their joint efforts.

“This partnership between DZIF and ANRS | MIE marks a significant step forward in our mission to combat infectious diseases. With this MoU, we are better equipped to address complex health challenges, avoid duplications, and drive impactful and collaborative research in the field of infectious diseases”.
Pr Yazdan Yazdanpanah

“Broadening the original partnership between ANRS and DZIF from 2014 by including research on critical infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and emerging infections will enable us to jointly tackle the most urgent challenges in infectious diseases with an integrative approach”.
Pr Dirk Busch

About the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF)

DZIF brings together universities, university medical centres, Leibniz and Max Planck institutes, Helmholtz centres and other government research establishments in Germany with strong profiles in the field of infectious diseases to tackle the most urgent challenges in infectious diseases with an integrative approach. DZIF coordinates and strategically aligns translational infection research with the aim of developing new diagnostic, preventative and therapeutic methods for treating infectious diseases (e.g. HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, (re-)emerging infections).

About the French National Research Agency for HIV, viral hepatitis and emerging infectious diseases (ANRS | MIE)

ANRS | MIE’s mission is to lead, evaluate, coordinate and fund research into HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis and emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases (in particular emerging respiratory infections, including COVID-19, viral haemorrhagic fevers and arboviruses); that its role is to coordinate research into infectious diseases, both nationally and internationally, in conjunction with other EPSTs involved in research and particularly in capacity-building initiatives in low- and middle-income countries.