Beijerinck Virology Prize awarded to Ron Fouchier and Beijerinck Premium to Daniel Hurdiss
The M.W. Beijerinck Virology Prize is awarded once every two years to a researcher who has distinguished themself internationally in the field of virology. The Beijerinck Premium is awarded annually to a young researcher to encourage virology research.
On November 3, the SWITCH consortium led by Prof. Hugo van der Kuy received a Pearl from ZonMw. Their SWITCH trial proved that it is quite possible to switch to the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine after a first corona vaccination with Janssen: combining different vaccines – heterologous vaccination – leads to better protection. With their effective collaboration and enthusiastic commitment, the researchers were able to quickly gather new knowledge, despite the difficult circumstances.
The best way to address risk factors for future pandemics is a One Health approach
The best way to address risk factors for future pandemics is a One Health approach that balances and optimizes the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. That is the message of The Independent Task Force on COVID-19 and other Pandemics, which includes Prof Dr Marion Koopmans of the Erasmus MC and Pandemic & Disaster Preparedness Center.
‘Pandemic preparation should be broader than just biomedical advise.’ Says PDPC’s medical director Anja Schreijer. With a team of researchers from various institutes, the PDPC published a report on pandemic preparedness. The outcome is a research agenda explicitly involving social research and the interaction between the biomedical and societal domains.
