Data driven Excellence in Training of Epidemiological, Clinical, Technological and Innovative Virus Experts

Emerging and re-emerging viral infections place a major and growing burden on health systems, economies and societies in Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed how fragmented diagnostics, surveillance and data analysis, combined with shortages of cross-disciplinary experts, limit Europe's ability to anticipate and manage new threats. Despite rapid advances in genomics, bioinformatics and digital surveillance, most responses remain reactive, focused on known pathogens and siloed data streams, rather than on integrated, predictive epidemic intelligence. DETECTIVE aims to close this gap by training 14 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) to develop and apply next-generation tools for early detection of emerging viruses, assessment of host and population risk, and translation of complex data into real-time, evidence-based action. The network will combine advanced virology, organoid and culture models, next-generation sequencing, wastewater and blood-donor surveillance, and multi-omics with AI driven analytics, bioinformatics and epidemic modelling. Unlike conventional programmes focused on single disciplines or pathogens, DETECTIVE targets the full pathway from pathogen detection and mechanistic understanding to integrated surveillance and clinical and public health decision support. Through this integrated field of data driven epidemic intelligence, DETECTIVE will promote a shift from reactive outbreak control to proactive risk assessment, early warning and targeted intervention. DCs will be trained in an intersectoral environment spanning universities, hospitals, public health institutes, regulators and industry, acquiring both cutting edge scientific skills and key transferable competences. The programme will strengthen European preparedness and resilience by delivering new tools, standards and decision frameworks for epidemic surveillance and response, while creating a new generation of virus experts able to bridge laboratory science, data analytics and public health practic