From Research to Resilience: Preparedness Lessons from COVID-19

This report investigates the pathway between SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequence data generation and its uptake in research and public health policy. 

Commissioned by Wellcome, the study examines eight international research projects funded during the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen genomic surveillance capabilities across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. 

The research aimed to address three research objectives:

• understand data generation and decision-making pathways across different geographical contexts;
• learn about hidden processes affecting researchers;
• and identify solutions to challenges faced in diverse settings. 

Using a mixed-methods approach, the study engaged 125 individuals through interviews, focus groups and an online survey. The work was undertaken according to the research protocol which is available as supplementary data to this report. 

The findings of this consultation reveal how Wellcome funding enabled sustainable infrastructure development, scientific innovation, community engagement, policy impact, and global data sharing. The report identifies critical barriers and enablers across the genomic sequencing pipeline, from sample collection to research uptake. Key challenges included limited physical infrastructure, supply chain disruptions, workforce capacity gaps, complex data sharing requirements, and varied approaches to policy engagement. 

The report concludes with actionable recommendations to enhance emergency research funding mechanisms, addressing funding design, enabling infrastructure, research team capacity, data management, and research uptake for future public health emergencies. 

This upload includes an Executive Summary, full report and a series of landscape maps that map the relationships and information flows that emerged as part of the consultation, within the context of the projects involved in the review.