Successful online kick-off meeting of NRP 78
After the research start in autumn, the researchers of NRP 78 met in December 2020 for the virtual kick-off meeting.
The aim of the kick-off meeting was to present the steering committee and the programme management to the research groups from the 28 NRP 78 projects and to communicate the expectations for the programme. Even though the event was conducted online, the exchange was a first important step towards networking and community building.
The meeting started with a round table for reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic, on experiences to date and on future expectations, also with regard to the progression of the research programme. The inputs were taken on board and will be implemented wherever possible during the two-year programme.
Finally, individual research projects from the four research modules were presented. The modules of NRP 78 cover aspects of the biology, pathogenicity and immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2, new approaches in COVID-19 epidemiology and prevention, bases for vaccines, drugs and diagnostics, as well as innovative clinical approaches and therapeutic interventions for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
The next opportunity for scientific exchange in NRP 78 will be the programme conference, which will take place on 28/29 April 2021.