One of the great challenges of the 21st century is to develop the capability to react to outbreaks caused by highly pathogenic human and animal microorganisms, which are generally characterized by a high mortality rate, unavailability of prophylactic or effective therapeutic treatment and human-to-human transmission.

ERINHA, the Pan-European distributed Research Infrastructure dedicated to the study of highly infectious emerging and remerging diseases classified as Risk Group 4 (RG4) bringing together European high containment and complementary research facilities and expertise required to perform cutting-edge research in shorter timeframes, was conceived to respond to these needs.

“The launch of ERINHA could not have come at a more appropriate timing. Within the current context of increasing epidemics, a pan-European coordinated network of BSL-4 research infrastructures is essential in order to achieve a coherent and strategy-led approach to research on highly pathogenic microorganisms. It will not only help to consolidate the European leadership and expertise in this research field, but much more importantly, will critically contribute to the health security of citizens in Europe and beyond”

^{Barbara Kerstiens, Deputy HoU Fighting Infectious Diseases, European Commission}

“The rapid access to BSL4 facilities and specific animal models could be one of the bottlenecks for CEPI projects and ERINHA can play a key role in this area”

^{Karianne Johansen, CEPI}