Virômica-MCTI is a sub-network of the Virus Network, an initiative of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation

The virologist and Pro-Rector of Research, Postgraduate Studies and Extension at Feevale University, Fernando Spilki, has just been appointed to coordinate the National Network for Research, Development and Innovation in Genomic Surveillance of Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses (Virômica-MCTI). The decree from the Secretariat of Policies and Strategic Programs of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation was published last Friday, November 7, in the Official Gazette of the Union.

As Spilki explains, as a sub-network of the MCTI Virus Network, Virômica-MCTI aims to serve the ministry and the Brazilian population with a scientific research environment and high-level information on the various viruses that pose a threat to human and animal health. We intend to expand the successful model we had in tackling Covid-19,” says Spilki, whose term lasts three years and can be renewed for another three.

About the MCTI Virus Network The MCTI Virus Network, created by MCTI Ordinance No. 1010/2020, functions as a strategic advisory committee with the objective of providing the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation with scientific information, assisting in decision-making. Through the articulation between universities, laboratories and researchers throughout the country, it promotes the integration of scientific research and technological development efforts in emerging viral diseases. In addition to Virômica-MCTI, the new ordinance now includes four other sub-networks:

National Network for Epidemiological Surveillance of Emerging and Re-emerging Viral Diseases in Bats, Birds and other Wild Reservoirs in the context of One Health (Previr-MCTI); Network for Monitoring Emerging and Re-emerging Viral Diseases in Wastewater (Remonar-MCTI); Network for the Articulation, Operation and Management of Biosafety Level 3 Research Laboratories (NB3-MCTI); and the R&D Network in Vaccines, Treatments and Diagnostic Technologies (Imunotec-MCTI).