Global Virus Network

The University at Buffalo HIV and HCV Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory at the Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences was added to the Global Virus Network in 2015 as a Center of Excellence.

The University at Buffalo HIV and HCV Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory at the Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, is an internationally recognized leader in antiviral pharmacology and therapeutics and has been conducting antiviral research since the beginning of the HIV epidemic. In addition, the laboratory is a training site for numerous national and international faculty, pre-doctoral students, post-doctoral fellows and residents, provides a global antiviral proficiency testing program through an NIH contract and conducts laboratory site assessments as a component of research quality assurance and capacity building.

The Global Virus Network (GVN) is an essential and critical defense against viral disease. It is a coalition comprised of leading virologists spanning more than 20 countries worldwide, all working to advance knowledge about how viruses make us sick and to develop drugs and vaccines to prevent illness and death. No single institution in the world has expertise in all viral areas. GVN brings the best medical virologists together to leverage individual strengths and to focus global teams of scientists on key scientific problems. The power of GVN lies in its global reach, the depth of its science, and its commitment to solving viral challenges facing the human population. No other entity exists like the GVN. The GVN has 3 main interest areas:

• Support for cutting edge research- GVN supports its scientists through small grants that allow new lines of research to move forward. To ensure that medical virologists are in place to address future, yet unimagined viral challenges, GVN provides training fellowships for tomorrow’s leaders. GVN scientists share ideas and information to avoid duplicative research. And, in outbreak situations, GVN experts stand ready to provide critical insights that will be integral for containment and prevention measures.

• Public education- GVN provides authoritative science-driven information to the public and policymakers about viruses and vaccines through a spectrum of outreach initiatives and digital forums.

• Advocacy- GVN works with governments and research funding agencies worldwide to ensure that budgets for research and training are increased to meet the critical demands of today.