Cross-Cutting Lessons Learned During the COVID-19 Pandemic—the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Experience

Abstract

At the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) mobilized to rapidly conduct medical research to detect, prevent, and treat the disease in order to minimize the impact of the pandemic on the health and readiness of U.S. Forces. WRAIR’s major efforts included the development of the Department of Defense (DoD) COVID-19 vaccine candidate, researching novel drug therapies and monoclonal antibodies, refining and scaling-up diagnostic capabilities, evaluating the impact of viral diversity, assessing the behavioral health of Soldiers, supporting U.S. DoD operational forces overseas, and providing myriad assistance to allied nations. WRAIR personnel have also filled key roles within the whole of government response to the pandemic. WRAIR had to overcome major pandemic-related operational challenges in order to quickly execute a multimillion-dollar portfolio of COVID-19 research. Consequently, the organization learned lessons that could benefit other leaders of medical research organizations preparing for the next pandemic.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Dec 04, 2021
Source ID
10.1093/milmed/usab438

Entities

People

  • Clinton K. Murray
  • Deydre S. Teyhen
  • Eric Lombardini
  • James E. Moon
  • Jeffrey M. Osgood
  • Jeffrey W. Froude
  • Karen P Peterson
  • Matthew R. Scherer
  • Nelson Michael
  • Oscar A Cabrera
  • Robert J. O'connell
  • Sheila A. Peel
  • Sherri P Daye
  • Vincent F. Capaldi Ii

Organizations

  • Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences
  • Walter Reed Army Institute of Research

Tags

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Infectious Disease/Epidemiology
  • Medical or Health Care Field.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology