The EUGLOHRIA Final Conference on Pandemics and Global Health Crises, organised by LMU Munich, took place in early December to mark the culmination of the EUGLOHRIA SwafS-Project. The three-day event not only celebrated the results EUGLOHRIA achieved after the three-year funding period but also provided a platform for participants to showcase their contributions and discuss the advancement of research and innovation within the EUGLOH Alliance.
Months of meticulous preparation coordinated by LMU Munich, ensured a participative and democratic process involving representatives from all EUGLOHRIA partner institutions. The conference, hosted in LMU Munich's prestigious Senatssaal and Große Aula, aimed to reflect on the past, present, and future of EUGLOHRIA through a diverse program that included engaging sessions, collaborative activities, and networking opportunities.
One of the highlights was the Collaborative Horizons session, featuring Jean Pierre Bourguignon, former President of the European Research Council, who provided insights into the ERC's structure and opportunities for European researchers. Noemi Castelletti, a mathematician from LMU University Hospital, delivered a captivating keynote address on the KOCO-19 Study during the Townhall Discussion, emphasising international collaboration and the study's impact on public opinion and policies.
The program also included a tour to LMU's Biomedical Center, a Science Communication Workshop and the 4th EUGLOH Annual Student Research Conference, showcasing high-quality student research within the Alliance. A Public Roundtable on collaboration and cooperation in Global Health and a session on driving near- and far-future research and innovation collaboration provided valuable insights and discussions.
Despite an unexpected snowfall in Munich just days before the conference, which disrupted travel plans, the organising team swiftly adapted, introducing hybrid participation and supporting stranded delegations. The rapid response concept allowed the conference to proceed with minor adjustments, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the EUGLOHRIA community.
The organizers want to thank all participants, supporters, and contributors, acknowledging their efforts in overcoming challenges, including adverse weather conditions, to ensure the success of the EUGLOHRIA Final Conference. The event served as a testament to the Alliance's commitment to fostering collaboration in Research and Innovation.