The Foundation for Influenza Epidemiology
The GIHSN is supported by a dedicated fund, the Foundation for Influenza Epidemiology.
The Foundation for Influenza Epidemiology was created in September 2015 by Sanofi Pasteur under the auspices of Fondation de France to formalize several years of commitment to epidemiological research on severe influenza.
This funding mechanism was established to facilitate additional funding from other donors for this world-scale active surveillance project.
All donations collected through this foundation are dedicated to epidemiological research in the field of severe influenza and other respiratory viral diseases.
UNSOLICITED GRANTS
The Foundation for Influenza Epidemiology is also willing to consider a limited number of unsolicited proposals for activities strongly aligned with the Foundation mandate and building on the GIHSN data. These proposals can be submitted all year long and will be considered during the annual Executive Committee meeting of the Foundation in September.
GOVERNANCE OF THE FOUNDATION
The governance of the Foundation for Influenza Epidemiology is ensured by an Executive Committee (EC). The Executive Committee is the decision maker, in charge of the strategic directions related to the project. Based on pre-established criteria, the Executive Committee selects applicant sites for funding allocation each year. The Executive Committee is composed of two Sanofi Pasteur scientific specialists and three independent experts. Two seats are available for other potential donors.
An Independent Scientific Committee composed of 10 experts[1] provide recommendations for technical, scientific and related ethical aspects to the Foundation. 3 of these experts are members of the Executive Committee.
OpenHealth is a subcontractor of the Foundation for Influenza Epidemiology and supports GIHSN operations.
GOVERNANCE
[1] Melissa Andrew (GIHSN Canada investigator), Elena Burtseva (GIHSN Moscow investigator), Allen Cheng (Monash Univ, Australia), Jill Ferdinand (CDC, USA), Bruno Lina (Univ of Lyon, France), Feng Luzhao (CDC, China), Marta Nunes (GIHSN South Africa investigator), Justin Ortiz (Univ of Maryland, USA), John Paget (NIVEL, Nederland) , Bobby Reiner (IHME, USA).