The Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases has its own research group focused on "Emerging Viruses", headed by Prof. Isabella Eckerle. It is also affiliated with the University of Geneva, and more specifically with the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine (MIMOL) at the University Medical Center (CMU). Pr. Isabella Eckerle is also a member of the "High-level European expert group proposing a roadmap towards stabilization of the COVID-19 pandemic in the European region".
A major research focus of the group is the laboratory-based risk assessment of new and emerging zoonotic viruses by classical molecular and virological methods, using innovative and highly specific cell culture models from human and animal reservoir hosts. Since the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, our laboratory has been heavily involved in the development and validation of diagnostic methods, as well as in SARS-CoV-2 research projects, such as viral shedding, virus isolation studies, the creation of a SARS-CoV-2 biobank, molecular and phenotypic characterization and coinfection with other respiratory viruses in primary airway epithelial cells, as well as clinical and immunological studies.
The research group is closely linked to the HUG's virological diagnostics laboratory and Reference Centre for Emerging Viral Infections (CRIVE). The Centre houses the only P3 and P4D facilities in the canton of Geneva, located at the HUG, where our work on infectious SARS-CoV-2 is carried out.
In addition, this laboratory is one of 26 international reference laboratories for COVID-19 testing designated by the World Health Organization, to which our Group contributes in terms of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic validations (WHO COVID-19 Reference Laboratory Network).
The laboratory is also a collaborating partner of the Foundation of Innovative Diagnostics (FIND) to provide support for accurate diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2.
More information on the Pr. Isabella Eckerle-led research group's research funding, initiatives and affiliations can be found below.