Action Committees, formerly known as Task Forces and Watch Groups, are a central initiative of the GVN, uniting experts across academic, institutional, and corporate partners to address pressing viral challenges. Each committee focuses on a specific viral category or emerging threat, such as poxviruses, respiratory viruses, hemorrhagic fever viruses, arboviruses, retroviruses, Long COVID, and other infection-associated chronic conditions. Members meet regularly to share insights, coordinate research, and strengthen global collaboration. Participation is by invitation, though interested GVN members may reach out to Ruby Ferrari, GVN Network Administrator.
Led by Drs. Rachel Roper, Carlos del Rio, and Stuart Isaacs, this Action Committee was activated in 2022 following the mpox outbreak that spread to over 100 countries. With the outbreak now under control, the committee focuses on preventing future resurgences and supporting endemic countries, where infections disproportionately affect children. The group brings expertise in basic science, epidemiology, clinical research, and vaccines, and has identified key priorities: protecting vulnerable populations, ensuring access to antivirals and vaccines, monitoring infection rates, preventing community transmission, and avoiding establishment of new animal reservoirs. The committee published its vision in Vaccine and continues to meet regularly to share knowledge and coordinate international research efforts.
Led by Drs. Scott Weaver and Nikos Vasiliakis, this Action Committee typically meets for a presentation by a key speaker and for evaluating epidemiological trends of Dengue and Zika virus outbreaks/epidemics worldwide. The members of this Action Committee are committed to finding solutions to the challenges posed by these viruses in endemic areas. This group is aiming to provide (1) genomic surveillance (2) development of innovative vaccines and therapeutics, and (3) technical support to low- and middle-income countries, (4) collaboration opportunities between the GVN Academic Centers of Excellence and Corporate Partners.
Led by Dr. Robert Garry, this Action Committee includes experts from GVN Centers of Excellence, Affiliates, and international partners to address Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa virus outbreaks. The group convenes quickly during emergencies to share expertise, advise public health responses, and coordinate practical steps. With GVN’s support, it also provides authoritative media commentary when needed. Because rapid communication is essential in outbreaks of these deadly viruses, members are encouraged to reference both their professional affiliation and the GVN when responding publicly.
Led by Drs. Ghedin and Segales, this Action Committee convenes every other month to collaboratively explore research updates, analyze current outbreaks, and formulate solutions to address respiratory viruses. Drawing on zoonosis expertise of virologists and epidemiologists, this dedicated group also provides critical epidemiological updates. It serves as a vital platform for sharing the latest findings, staying informed about global outbreaks, and actively contributing to strategies aimed at countering these viruses on a global scale.
Led by Dr. James Porterfield, this Action Committee convenes every other month to collaboratively explore research updates, analyze current outbreaks, and formulate solutions to address retroviruses. The committee addresses key challenges in retrovirology, including HIV comorbidities and HTLV-1, a historically underfunded area of research. It serves as a vital platform for sharing the latest findings, staying informed about global outbreaks, and actively contributing to strategies aimed at countering these viruses on a global scale.
Led by Drs. Rubeshan Perumal, Janko Nikolich, and Anders Vahlne, this Action Committee successfully championed awareness of post-acute sequelae of COVID, starting with the organization of a very timely virtual conference on the topic, with top international expert speakers. The Action Committee, which includes leading virologists, clinical scientists, and epidemiologists, often hosts expert presentations and discussions. As this pandemic has taken another turn with the spread of various Omicron variants of the virus—meaning even more people will experience Long COVID—this Action Committee seeks to forge global collaborations from multi-disciplinary teams, which are crucial to understanding the causes, mechanisms, and risks to develop preventive measures.