Building a Stronger and Smarter Europe

Professor Rino Rappuoli, Scientific Director of the Biotecnopolo di Siena Foundation, shares his views in an interview for the official newsletter of HERA – the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority.

He reflects on the strategic importance of creating an integrated European system for vaccine development and production. A system that can respond to global health challenges with speed, skill, and autonomy.

In the interview, Professor Rappuoli recalls how his scientific journey began in Siena, inspired by the Tuscan Serotherapy Institute (Sclavo). He then explains the vision behind the work of the Biotecnopolo Foundation: to build an ecosystem able to face new health threats before they turn into emergencies.

This vision relies on advanced public research, strong cooperation among countries, and active collaboration between the public and private sectors.

A key part of the conversation is the European Vaccine Hub (EVH). This pan-European infrastructure was created after the COVID-19 pandemic. It is built on four pillars: basic research, preclinical studies, clinical trials, and production/regulation. Its goal is to connect scientific excellence across Europe, reduce fragmentation, and promote collaboration.

The Biotecnopolo di Siena leads the first pillar – discovery. It focuses on identifying and developing monoclonal antibodies and vaccine candidates against high-risk viruses and bacteria.

Building stable relationships, shared infrastructures, and coordinated processes between universities, research centers, biotech companies, and regulatory bodies is essential. It is the only way to ensure fast and effective responses in times of crisis.

The EVH aims to support this network. It is open, inclusive, and accessible to startups, small research centers, and manufacturers who want to contribute to Europe’s vaccine development.

The message is clear: Europe has the skills, vision, and energy to lead in global health science and technology. But this will only be possible with adequate resources and strong political commitment.