On January 30, 2025, we officially launched the DEFENDER Project with our first consortium meeting, marking the start of an exciting journey dedicated to advancing antiviral research and innovation.

Hosted by our coordinating team, the kickoff brought together partners from leading universities, research institutes, and industry across Europe. Together, we set the stage for collaborative work focused on identifying novel viral entry factors and developing antiviral strategies.

The meeting featured inspiring presentations, strategic discussions, and a shared vision for the path ahead — uniting expertise in molecular virology, structural biology, and bioinformatics to strengthen Europe’s preparedness against viral threats.

✨ DEFENDER is more than a project — it’s a collective commitment to defend global health through scientific excellence and collaboration.

Stay tuned for updates as we move forward with this ambitious initiative!