Researchers worldwide have been working to develop a universal flu vaccine, but no breakthrough has yet been achieved. FLUniversal is not "another costly universal flu project". It is an opportunity to create a genuine universal flu vaccine that will set the standard for rapid, efficient vaccine development, and generate know-how and tools to develop next-generation vaccines. We plan to exploit our increased understanding of molecular mechanisms of influenza infection and immunity to develop a vaccine effective against all flu virus strains. Our innovation uses genetically modified flu strains administered intranasally in a prime-boost regimen. This approach rapidly induces interferon and broadly cross-neutralising antibodies in the nasal passages and a systemic immune response directed to the conserved HA stalk. Proof of concept for universal protection was demonstrated in the ferret; we propose now to show proof of concept in humans. Previous clinical studies established safety and immunogenicity in humans. The strains are efficiently produced in Vero cells. FLUniversal's objectives align with the Expected Outcomes: comprehensive immunological assessment of preclinical models, development of a human challenge model, and assisting healthcare stakeholders’ decision-making about support for vaccine development. Consortium members’ world-leading expertise in preclinical models, clinical trials, immunology and validated assays will provide valuable insights on mechanisms of protection. Proposed clinical studies will provide crucial clinical proof of concept to advance the vaccine toward commercialisation.

Antiviral drugs will be key in the management of future virus outbreaks. For each virus family with epidemic/pandemic potential, stockpiles of potent drugs are needed that can be deployed when a new pathogen emerges. Such broader-acting drugs (targeting conserved viral functions) are needed as of “day one” of an outbreak, for treatment and prophylaxis (e.g., in HCW and frail patients). In combination with quarantine measures, such drugs will delay (global) spread, allowing time for vaccine-development. Since the 2003 SARS outbreak, PANVIPREP’s core partners have successfully collaborated in leading European antiviral drug research projects. This provides a solid scientific basis in combination with translational drug discovery expertise. The team includes virologists, biochemists, structural biologists, medicinal chemists and pharmacokinetics experts. Previously developed know-how and toolboxes will be a major asset to achieve immediate impact. PANVIPREP aims to greatly expand the antiviral portfolio and identify novel druggable targets of high-risk RNA viruses. Hits will be identified through (i) phenotypic antiviral screening of compound libraries (ii) structure-based drug design, (iii) in silico screening, supported by the latest machine-learning methods. We will deliver 25 to 50 high-quality, broad(er)-spectrum (pan-genus/pan-family) hit molecules/hit series. Two of these will be developed to the early lead stage, including proof of concept in animal infection models. Remaining hits will serve as chemical tool-compounds to explore mechanisms of action thereby identifying novel druggable targets in RNA virus replication. This in turn will accelerate target-based drug design efforts. The workflow will integrate best practices in antiviral drug discovery with a range of methodological innovations, including AI-based methods, thus renovating and accelerating the antiviral hit discovery pipeline future use and contributing to pandemic preparedness.

To ensure global competitiveness of small and medium European shipyards, a step change is needed. The key to accomplish this relies on overcoming high production costs and low repeatable quality processes which currently inhibit mass production of Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) ship parts. FIBRE4YARDS will bring a cost-efficient, digitized, automated and modular FRP vessel production approach to increase EU shipbuilders’ competitiveness. FIBRE4YARDS’ objective is to match end-users’ needs with targeted advanced production technologies (adaptive molds, ATP/AFP, 3D printing, curved pultrusion profiles, hot stamping, innovative composite connections) from other competitive industrial sectors, and to transfer, adapt and combine them to improve FRP shipyards’ production and maintenance, in a Shipyard 4.0 environment. Real-scale demonstrators will be designed and manufactured to prove feasibility of technologies. Based on the targeted technologies, design and engineering of small/medium-length FRP vessels will be assessed using advanced computational tools. Compliance with the regulatory framework will be ensured, and the necessary personnel training will be provided. All within validated and viable business models targeting a circular and resource efficient maritime sector. This will lead to an improved cost effectiveness of European shipyards and their supply chain, an increased turn-over and a growth of jobs with new 21st century skillsets. Consortium’s high number of SMEs and a FRP shipyard, facilitate direct exploitation in the targeted supply chain. A robust cost-benefit analysis for stakeholders, business plans for successful commercialization and market uptake will be provided, specifically recommending an adequate IPR protection strategy. Environmental impact diminution is achieved through weight reduction (less fuel consumption), recyclable materials, energy efficient production and addressing noise pollution. The 36 months project requests 5 941 720 € funding.