Expert opinion from across the world recommends, & calls for, modular laboratory systems to be made available for disease monitoring missions. The WHO calls these, “Rapid Response Mobile Laboratories” (RRML). ONELAB will develop modular RRML for rapid, flexible, scalable, multi-scenario deployments into the widest range of possible settings. These next-generation facilities will support next-generation measurement-technologies/methodologies and, through satellite communications, form wide-area GIS enabled laboratory information systems. Thus, simultaneously providing point-of-need disease detection, along with high-level situational awareness. ONELAB will also develop advanced measurement systems for a staged disease detection response. Exploiting a panel of acute viral infection biomarkers enables early detection of disease during its asymptomatic incubation. Using this at the outbreak of disease, when much is still undefined, supports effective immediate & targeted public health interventions. Additionally, using proven methodologies developed in response to COVID 19, ONELAB will develop & demonstrate a workflow for semi-autonomous disease specific biomarker discovery. This application & delivery of agile science enhances the capability & capacity of current disease testing-strategies substantially RRMLs are only as good as the skilled teams who operate them. So, ONELAB builds world-wide networks & partnerships of experienced experts to: define contextually-aligned best practice; develop a consensus-driven concepts of operation; and, disseminate this though a pandemic testing playbook. We will develop capability & capacity with training & networking-events that continue beyond the project. Finally, community mass-testing requires engagement & acceptance from all citizens, which is why we will engage with the public, & produce a citizen’s guide to mass community testing, supported by educational outreach resources.

Biotoxins pose significant challenges to current crisis management approaches. Existing concepts of operation, derived from Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear doctrines, and Union Civil Protection Mechanism initiatives, do not address the distinctive and highly complex attributes of a biotoxin crisis. EMBRACE aims to improve Europe’s capacity to respond effectively to biotoxin incidents. We will consolidate and apply scientific and clinical knowledge of biotoxins to revise response protocols and deliver innovative solutions specifically tailored to address gaps and needs identified in current provision. Highlights include analysis of biotoxins not previously addressed in this context, risk-based recommendations for PPE and novel decontaminants, in vitro studies to identify human biomarkers of exposure, novel samplers, portable biosensors and field diagnostics devices, and software tools to assist responders in biothreat risk assessment. To ensure intersectoral and cross-border interoperability of these solutions and successful commercialisation of our exploitable assets, we will prioritise a carefully planned standardisation and valorisation programme. EMBRACE will engage with existing initiatives and projects to create a vibrant biotoxin knowledge network; a multi-sectoral community of stakeholders, on the basis of which a sustainable Biotoxin Task Force will be established as a source of expertise and guidance on biotoxin incidents both for EMBRACE and the wider community. The network of stakeholders and EMBRACE’s ambitious programme of scientific, technological, and operational advances will be supported by the creation of a biotoxin reference and stakeholder hub designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and provide users with direct access to widely distributed and expertise. Finally, EMBRACE’s innovative sustainability strategy will ensure that its solutions and the biotoxin community continue to thrive beyond the duration of the project.