The direct involvement of European academic institutions is crucial to an effective HERA

The EU’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) aims to boost Europe’s capacity to prepare and respond to health threats in Europe. Launched in September 2021, HERA is now actively being prepared to become operational at the beginning of 2022.

In this statement, LERU, together with the European Global Health Research Institutes Network (EGHRIN) and the European University Hospital Alliance (EUHA) notes that it is crucial that there is a direct and high-level involvement of academia in HERA to maximise the effectiveness of HERA. Universities bring together expertise across the medical, natural, and social sciences, often in dedicated global health centres, and based on this holistic overview, can provide a crucial independent role in guiding government strategies, scenarios, and measures, ensuring best practice can follow best evidence.

For the full paper, please visit the LERU website here.