Two representatives of PDPC visited the Pandemic Centre (Pandemisenteret) at the University of Bergen (Norway), in the second week of January to explore possible collaborations.

The vision of the Pandemisenteret is to initiate relevant scientific knowledge for the purpose of preventing and managing pandemics in a long term perspective. The center aims to commence and organize interdisciplinary research and education related to pandemics. Pandemisenteret and PDPC both want to achieve the same and see many opportunities for cooperation in the future.

From the left to the right: Jeanette de Boer, Esperanza Diaz, Andrea Magugliani and Linda Jansen.

The Pandemisenteret just entered it’s third year of existence and has internationalization of it’s educational program as an important goal. Taking a truly transdisciplinary approach to pandemics and other disasters is a huge challenge and requires national and international collaboration. At the PDPC we clearly see that the lessons learned from Covid-19 can be transported to the approach towards other disasters as well as other wicked problems in society. The cooperation between different disciplines and stakeholders in society enriches the results of research and education programs.

A network of like-minded institutions is needed to secure continuing attention for the risk of pandemics and it’s consequences. After discussing opportunities with the Pandemisenteret, the PDPC sees possibilities for collaboration in education and research projects.

Date: February 24, 2023