Importance of outbreak response research in bridging knowledge gaps on emerging infectious diseases

Abstract

An important outcome of the devastating 2014 West African Ebola virus disease outbreak and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has been the growing promotion of conducting research during outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) as a valuable and acceptable process of acquiring knowledge to enhance our ability to better prevent and control these diseases in the future. Recognising the unique opportunity during outbreaks to leverage increases in cases over a short time interval and in a circumscribed area, we articulate a systematic process of conducting EID outbreak response research, highlighting knowledge gaps that should be prioritised, and measures that can be applied to mitigate numerous barriers commonly experienced during such times. We also highlight ethical considerations that must be addressed to minimise practices that continue to erode global confidence in sharing specimens and data.