Professor Evelina Tacconelli, a key figure in the REVERSE project as the Work Package 4 (WP4) Lead, recently took the stage as a panellist at the European Commission's sixth annual Research and Innovation (R&I) Days in Brussels from 16 to 17 September 2025.

Held under the theme "Together, towards a Research and Innovation Union," the event served as a critical forum for policymakers, researchers, and business leaders. The discussions focused on how research and innovation are essential drivers for Europe's competitiveness and sustainability, which is precisely the goal of flagship EU projects like REVERSE.

Strengthening the Clinical Research Ecosystem

Prof. Tacconelli participated in the session titled "Strengthening the EU clinical research ecosystem" on 17 September. This dialogue explored the current landscape of European clinical research and focused on how ongoing efforts, such as funding through the Horizon Europe programme and the launch of specific partnerships, can effectively enhance the ecosystem.

In her remarks, Prof. Tacconelli emphasised several critical areas that directly align with the challenges REVERSE is addressing:

Sustainable investment: She stressed the need for ongoing, stable funding for clinical research infrastructures to ensure they can consistently support vital studies, particularly in infectious diseases - a core focus of REVERSE.

International collaboration: Highlighting the importance of working across borders to pool resources and knowledge, a principle that is fundamental to the consortium-based structure of the REVERSE project itself.

Inclusion of vulnerable groups: Prof. Tacconelli called for greater inclusion of diverse and vulnerable populations in clinical research to ensure results are broadly applicable and equitable.

Public education: Beyond the scientific community, she also emphasised the necessity of educating the wider European public on the vital role of research in pandemic preparedness - a mission that drives much of the EU's investment in projects like REVERSE.

As the leader of our antibiotic stewardship work package, Prof. Tacconelli's participation at the R&I Days is highly significant. Her call for sustainable clinical research infrastructure, international collaboration, and public education directly supports the overarching goal of the REVERSE project: to reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance. 

By advocating for a stronger EU clinical research ecosystem, she reinforces the necessary foundations to implement effective stewardship strategies and protect European public health from this global threat.

You can watch the full session and learn more about the event here