Research priorities for improved pandemic and epidemic intelligence

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Global Health Security

Background:

• Pandemic and epidemic intelligence integrates surveillance data with contextual knowledge for public health decision-making.
• Current research efforts are fragmented geographically and thematically, hindering consistent translation of insights into policy and practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address fragmentation in pandemic and epidemic intelligence research.
• To identify key research gaps and opportunities through a global prioritization exercise.

Main Methods:

• A structured consultation process and expert-driven scoring were employed.
• A modified Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative approach was utilized.
• Research priorities were identified across eight thematic domains.

Main Results:

• Twenty-three priority research statements were identified.
• Key domains include data preparedness, quality standards, analytical frameworks, AI, multisectoral and community-centered approaches, governance, and evidence-to-policy translation.

Conclusions:

• The identified priorities can guide investments in pandemic and epidemic intelligence.
• Enhancing data integration, diagnostic innovation, and real-time decision-making are crucial.
• This research agenda supports improved global health security and response capabilities.