From establishing a strong clinical trial network to accelerating vaccine research and fostering cross-border collaboration, VACCELERATE has made a lasting impact. Four years after the start of this remarkable pan-European initiative, we take a moment to reflect on its significant contributions.
February 2025
The EU-funded VACCELERATE project officially began 28 Jan 2021. Over the following 4 years, it brought together academic institutions from across Europe—including 31 national partners spanning 18 EU member states and 5 Horizon 2020-associated countries—succeeding in:
Building a Pan-European network
A well-connected network of clinical trial sites was successfully established across Europe and associated countries. This infrastructure has improved coordination, streamlined vaccine trials, and strengthened collaboration among researchers, institutions, and stakeholders.
Accelerating vaccine trials
By providing rapid access to trial sites, expert teams, and harmonised protocols, the project significantly expedited vaccine trials. This has facilitated the timely collection of reliable data, which proved crucial for decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Enhancing public engagement
Innovative strategies were implemented to involve the public in vaccine research. The introduction of a Volunteer Registry allows individuals to participate in clinical trials, a continuing resource which improves recruitment efforts and raises awareness of vaccine development processes. EVI has played an active role in supporting the creation of educational materials for underserved communities. Additionally, it led efforts to create an inventory and gap analysis of existing public outreach materials, identifying knowledge gaps regarding COVID-19 vaccine trials in Europe.
Standardising data and protocols
Through the adoption of standardised protocols and data-sharing mechanisms, VACCELERATE enhanced the quality and comparability of clinical trial data. By adhering to FAIR principles, it laid a strong foundation for future multinational studies. EVI led the development and standardisation of assays for immune monitoring, along with protocol templates, next-generation immune monitoring assays, and harmonising assays between VACCELERATE and other established networks . These laboratory assays and protocols have been made publicly available to support the research community. Explore all EVI resources and tools here: https://www.euvaccine.eu/resources-and-tools
Training and capacity building
The project provided extensive training programs for clinical researchers and their teams, strengthening expertise in vaccine trials across Europe. These efforts have improved the readiness of clinical sites to respond effectively to future pandemics.
Impact on public health
VACCELERATE’s trials focused on under-researched populations, including the elderly and young children, while also assessing the optimal timing for booster vaccinations in the general population. The insights gained will continue to inform global health strategies.
A Lasting Legacy
VACCELERATE has demonstrated the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing global health challenges. While it is concluding as an EU-funded project in January 2025, by fostering a culture of shared resources and expertise, it has set new benchmarks for vaccine research and pandemic preparedness across Europe.
The infrastructure and knowledge built through this project will continue to provide invaluable support in the years ahead, providing a strong foundation for future initiatives.
VACCELERATE project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101037867.
This communication reflects the views only of the author, and the European Union cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Comments