Mission

 The primary aim of the Diagnostics and Laboratory Research Task Force (DLR) is to seamlessly integrate research and development achievements and knowledge into clinical practice, aligning with the One Health concept and global pandemic preparedness initiatives. Given that many BAVDV member laboratories boast state-of-the-art facilities, ranging from molecular diagnostics and sequencing to advanced biosafety settings, a key goal is to harness these laboratory and expert capacities for public health purposes. We are convinced that the swift integration of research findings represents a significant asset to public health, animal health operations, and outbreak response efforts.

Additionally, the Balkan region is currently grappling with several climate-change-related public health issues, predominantly associated with vector-borne diseases. These challenges have culminated in a substantial pool of experience among experts in the area, which can serve as a valuable resource for other countries as well.

Furthermore, the composition and the network of partners within DLR allow for work with biological agents without biosafety restrictions, as the members operate a wide range of laboratories from BSL-2 to BSL-4 levels. Such laboratories and the associated expertise are increasingly in demand due to a notable change in the landscape of known infectious diseases (such as West Nile virus and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus), as well as unrecognized, neglected diseases and their vectors. This capability enables the DLR to address emerging public health threats effectively and contribute to the regional and global efforts against infectious diseases.

 Vision

 Recognizing the value of our group as experienced researchers equipped with valuable and modern research and clinical tools, along with a shared commitment to effective networking and knowledge transfer, we aim to leverage these capacities to enhance our role in research, grant proposals, and outbreak prevention across the entire WHO European region. To further this goal, we intend to implement a seeding strategy focused on good laboratory practices, mentoring, and knowledge sharing within the Balkan region. This strategy will involve establishing partnerships with local institutions to promote the adoption of best practices in laboratory work, creating mentorship programs to foster the development of emerging scientists, and facilitating workshops and seminars aimed at disseminating cutting-edge research findings and clinical techniques. Through these initiatives, we aim to establish a strong network of highly trained researchers and clinicians, thereby enhancing the region's ability to efficiently address public health challenges, with initiatives originating from the expert level.