Platforms and technology and service units: a concerted and active response to SARS-CoV-2

The Institut Pasteur community in Paris and worldwide became involved in the response to the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 at a very early stage, launching multiple research projects. To date, 75 projects are supported by the Institut Pasteur via a dedicated Task Force and several others are under way, either in partnership or with the support of external organizations.

The platforms and technology and service units (UTechS) in the Department of Technology and Scientific Programs also played a key role in this response from the outset (read the article published on march 27). 50 projects, ranging from fundamental research to clinical research on COVID-19, are currently making use of the expertise in the platforms and UTechS, which are involved in various capacities – as coordinators, partners or service providers.

For 19 of the projects supported by the Task Force, platforms and UTechS are directly involved as coordinators or partners. Seventeen projects are conducted with the Institut Pasteur in Paris and two with the Institut Pasteur International Network.

The UTechS and platforms adapted their organizational approach to meet the needs of all users, both on and off site, during the lockdown and to prepare for the resumption of non-COVID-19 activities.

They particularly worked on training and on providing smooth and safe access for independent users, in compliance with the protective measures introduced by the Institut Pasteur. They also focused their attention on the preservation of animal models.

Finally, they provided users with tools and services to optimize remote working (user training, project meetings, data storage, virtual machines, data processing and analysis, modeling, etc.).

Consult the dedicated Webcampus page for details of projects and initiatives involving platforms and UTechS