Influenza remains one of the greatest global health threats and a likely cause of the next pandemic. Every year it causes illness and major economic losses worldwide. The PREVAIL project brings together leading Finnish experts from the Universities of Turku and Helsinki to study how new influenza viruses emerge and spread between animals and humans. The research focuses on viruses circulating in wildlife and domestic animals in Europe and Africa. By combining virus monitoring with modern laboratory and data-analysis methods, the team will reveal how genetic changes enable animal influenza viruses to infect people. The results will help identify dangerous new strains early and improve preparedness for future pandemics. PREVAIL connects virology, immunology and evolutionary biology to create practical knowledge that strengthens Finland's and the world's defenses against emerging infectious diseases.

2026

2030