PREPARE will: (i) facilitate the collection of a comprehensive collection of data sets, software tools, and documentation that can be shared by the research community; (ii) identify new research efforts resulting from the cross fertilization of ideas from various subdisciplines of CISE research; (iii) produce a research roadmap that proposes research directions that can lead to effective methods to prepare for and recover from future pandemics; and (iv) provide training and other pedagogic materials needed for educating future generations of scientists in topics related to pandemic preparedness, recovery, and resilience. The increased levels of collaboration fostered by PREPARE have the potential to result in innovative computational methods and technologies for dealing with future pandemics. The research roadmap will include identification of key research topics, risks, and gaps in the current R&D landscape that will significantly benefit the research community and serve as the blueprint for researchers, funding agencies, and policy makers on the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in developing break-through solutions for pandemic resilience. While it is not possible to prevent pandemics completely, developing resilience techniques will enable society to prepare for and cope with the aftermath in a more effective manner.
The activities related to the proposed work will increase collaboration and communication among scientists conducting pandemic research. The increased levels of collaboration will result in innovative computational methods and technologies for dealing with future pandemics. The research roadmap resulting from the proposed work will serve as the blueprint for researchers, funding agencies, and policy makers on the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in developing break-through solutions for pandemic resilience.
By bringing the depth and breadth of software tools and data sets produced to the attention of scientists from other disciplines (e.g., epidemiologists, biologists, social scientists), PREPARE will provide new ways to develop multidisciplinary collaborations. The project will facilitate the creation of a network of researchers that can assist in government, corporate, and academic coordination in responding to pandemics. The proposed work will also assist in building an international scientific network with partners in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America, helping to develop multidisciplinary scientists with diverse skills.
