Project objectives
The COVIM platform lays the foundations for precise, standardised and scalable immunological analyses in Germany. The aim is to support large multicentre studies, as well as the development and clinical trialling of innovative immunotherapeutic strategies, through high-quality immunological measurement methods. In doing so, COVIM makes an important contribution to clinical research and promotes the development of forward-looking diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
As a nationwide platform for high-throughput immunological analyses, COVIM addresses key issues in health research and public health. These include, amongst others, the evaluation of vaccines, the investigation of immunological therapies, seroepidemiological studies to assess population immunity, and immunological surveillance programmes for the early identification of emerging infectious agents.
COVIM brings together modern technologies in immune analysis and makes them available for clinical research. These include, amongst others, multiplex immunoassays, single-cell sequencing, combined sequencing and proteomics methods, and automated flow cytometry, spectral cytometry and mass cytometry. Centralised coordination enables these technologies to be deployed in a standardised, harmonised and scalable manner.
Furthermore, the systematic provision of high-quality and comparable immunological data enables well-informed and accelerated decision-making in the field of public health. This creates added value both in acute outbreak situations and for the long-term advancement of diagnostics, prevention and treatment.
Specific objectives
COVIM is establishing and expanding a nationwide network of researchers and laboratories within the NUM for high-precision and standardised immunological analyses. The focus is on close collaboration between academic institutions, university and non-university research organisations, and diagnostic laboratories. In addition, during the first year of funding, a systematic mapping of immunological expertise and activities within the University Medical Centre will be carried out.
The COVIM ImmunoHub implements innovative data analysis methods for the evaluation of high-dimensional immunological data. These include AI-supported approaches and swarm learning technologies, which enable analyses that comply with data protection regulations and are decentralised. In this way, COVIM is sustainably strengthening the AI readiness of immunological research at NUM.
COVIM is developing a uniform framework for access to analytical capabilities within the NUM. The aim is to ensure legally compliant, transparent and standardised access to the platform’s resources. At the same time, binding quality standards are being established to ensure the validity, comparability and high quality of the data generated.