Context
Access to diagnostics, applied research and surveillance remains limited in low- and middle-income countries. Although they are often on the front line of emerging epidemics, these countries face significant challenges in developing the sustainable scientific capacity necessary to generate reliable data, rapidly detect epidemics, and respond to them effectively.
To meet this challenge, the GABRIEL network (Global Approach to Biology Research, Infectious diseases, and Epidemics in Low-income countries), created in 2008 and coordinated by the Mérieux Foundation, links 22 laboratories in 16 countries to strengthen local and regional responses to infectious diseases through collaboration, research, and capacity building. It brings together research units linked to universities, hospitals, and NGOs to address the main threats to public health.
Objective
By connecting scientists and laboratories across continents, GABRIEL fosters the creation of a community of experts able to generate data and recommendations where they are most needed, tailored to local realities and priorities, which are sometimes far removed from international discussions.
Activities
This international scientific network works in synergy to develop research and training capabilities and improve the surveillance of infectious diseases with a significant impact on public health.
GABRIEL members jointly conduct research programs on acute respiratory infections, tuberculosis, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging diseases, aiming to improve the control, prevention, and treatment of these diseases.
In order to strengthen the scientific and technical capacity of its members, the activities of the GABRIEL network focus on:
- Encouraging research projects that foster South-South and North-South collaboration
- Organizing the transfer of technology
- Developing training, mentoring programs, and doctoral scholarships to support the next generation of scientists
- Catalyzing scientific exchanges through meetings between research units and international events
GABRIEL network meetings
Every 18 months, the GABRIEL network gathers for an international scientific meeting. The event includes a symposium open to the scientific community, followed by a two-day workshop reserved for members and dedicated to sharing experiences, exploring new opportunities for collaboration, and discussing recent scientific advances in the field of infectious diseases.
The meeting also hosts the Young Scientist Award, which recognizes a promising researcher from a low- or middle-income country and gives them an opportunity to present their work at an international scientific conference.
