kathimerini.gr
€4.7M EU Center to Develop Infectious Disease Diagnostics
A new €4.7 million EU-funded center, DxHub, will be created at the Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH) in January 2025 to develop innovative diagnostic tools for infectious diseases, specifically addressing the increasing threat in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean, and collaborating with the University of Crete, regional authorities, EOPYY Crete, and the private sector.
- What is the primary goal of the newly established DxHub center, and how will it address the urgent need for improved infectious disease diagnostics in Europe?
- "A new €4.7 million EU-funded center, DxHub, will be established at the Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH) in January 2025 to develop innovative diagnostic tools for infectious diseases. This initiative, led by the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB-FORTH) and NOVA University of Lisbon, addresses the increasing threat of infectious diseases in Europe, particularly in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean.
- How will the DxHub center facilitate collaboration between public and private sectors to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of infectious disease diagnostics?
- The DxHub will focus on creating innovative diagnostic methods and tools, fostering entrepreneurship, and enhancing competitiveness and sustainability in Greece and Portugal. The project directly responds to the growing need for rapid and accurate on-site diagnostics, especially crucial during pandemics and outbreaks of infectious disease.
- What are the potential long-term impacts of the DxHub center on healthcare systems and economies in Southern Europe and beyond, considering the increasing threat of climate change and globalization?
- DxHub's success will depend on effective collaboration among public and private stakeholders, including FORTH, the University of Crete, regional authorities, the National Organization for Healthcare Providers of Crete (EOPYY), and private sector partners. The technology developed by Dr. Gizelis' team will be utilized, which focuses on simple molecular diagnostics that don't require sending samples to specialized labs.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is largely neutral. While the article highlights the importance of the DxHub initiative, it also presents the broader context of the threat posed by infectious diseases. The emphasis on rapid diagnosis is justified given its importance in controlling outbreaks.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the creation of a new Center of Excellence (DxHub) focused on developing innovative diagnostic tools for infectious diseases. This directly contributes to improving the detection and management of infectious diseases, thus improving global health and well-being. The center's work will aid in early diagnosis and better management of outbreaks, thus improving health outcomes. The research mentioned also focuses on creating simple, point-of-care diagnostic methods, improving accessibility to healthcare.