COVID-19: Lessons for international research collaboration and information exchange 

The COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted the crucial need for international scientific collaboration in both the public and private sectors to develop diagnostics, vaccines and treatments in order to tackle health emergencies. This requires open exchange of, and rapid access to, samples and information.

This ICC statement calls for international cross-border scientific collaboration including between public and private researchers to be supported, and policies and regulations that could hinder collaboration and exchange to be avoided.

The statement includes four recommendations to support on-going private and public research efforts to counter the coronavirus and to help prepare for future epidemics that threaten human, animal and plant health.

Approximate read time: 7 minutes