We are pleased to announce that the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences has become a member of the International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN), operating under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO).

In August last year, in recognition of his scientific achievements, knowledge, and experience, Dr. Paweł Zmora, Head of the Department of Molecular Virology at IBCH PAS, was invited to become a member of the Community of Practice for Emergency Response on Genomics and Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance at the IPSN.

The IPSN is a global network of institutions working in the broad field of pathogen genomics, established by the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence. Its aim is to accelerate the progress of this field of science and to support efficient public health decision-making. The IPSN brings together organisations from different sectors and regions of the world with expertise in genomics, data technology, and the implementation of surveillance systems. The network promotes international cooperation and advocacy, providing a platform of mutual support for institutions involved in genomic surveillance. Its mission is to support and accelerate global action to improve access to these technologies and ensure equity in their use.

Pathogen genomic surveillance is the monitoring and analysis of the genetic material (genome) of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. It involves the collection, sequencing, and analysis of pathogen genomes to understand their genetic composition, evolution, and mode of spread. It was widely used, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, to track and predict virus evolution. The Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry PAS actively participated in genomic surveillance during the pandemic by sequencing and analysing the genomes of the pandemic coronavirus and developing common rules for sequence deposition as part of national and international projects.

You can find more information about the IPSN at the following link:

https://www.who.int/initiatives/international-pathogen-surveillance-network#AboutIPSN