DE EN

NATON predecessor project DEFEAT PANDEMIcs

DEFEAT PANDEMIcs (German Research Network for Autopsies during Pandemics) was established in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and was expanded and continued as NATON (National Autopsy Network) in 2022. Since then, the network has represented a globally unique approach to the systematic and collaborative use of autopsies to understand the pathophysiology of emerging diseases.

Within the DEFEAT PANDEMIcs consortium, findings on the development and spread of pandemics have been collected, expertise pooled and exchanged, thus improving the management and control of pandemics.

Understanding

Improving the understanding of the pathophysiology of COVID-19 through rapid harmonisation, structuring and consolidation of existing and future autopsy data and samples.

Structures

Establishment of a structure for a rapid response to future pandemics. This structure follows high-quality standards and recommendations that are being defined and tested in the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Research

Establishment of the network as a structure for nationwide autopsy-based projects for sample collection, provision and analysis for biomedical research as well as broad national coverage of autopsy-based research.

Pilot projects

Implementation of pilot projects with innovative and alternative approaches to the practical performance of infectious autopsies and establishment of quality standards.

DEFEAT PANDEMIcs made a valuable contribution to overcoming the current COVID-19 pandemic and should enable rapid responses to future epidemics and pandemics. Browse through our publications →

The DEFEAT PANDEMIcs network was divided into three thematic areas and a total of ten sub-projects.

Struktur DEFEAT PANDEMIcs