ReSpiraNet -The Norwegian Respiratory Infections Network

The Norwegian Respiratoy Infections Network (ReSpiraNet Norway) brings together researchers from Norwegian institutions with longstanding expertise in diverse aspects linked to respiratory disease research. The aim of ReSpiraNet is to establish a national network that seeks to strengthen research capacity, foster collaboration and promote coordinated efforts to contribute to optimized diagnosis, treatment and management of respiratory infections. The network includes researchers from the university and hospital sector in all four health regions in Norway. The thematic areas selected, represent on-going focal areas of research in Norway with direct or indirect relevance to respiratory diseases research. ReSpiraNet aspires to facilitate as well as, develop a national platform that can foster collaboration including cross-fertilization between researchers involved in respiratory diseases research. 

The network is financed by a grant from the Norwegian coordination group for the specialist health care services (Norwegian: Nasjonal samarbeidsgruppe for helseforskning i spesialisthelsetjenesten - NSG).

Coordination

ReSpiraNet on behalf of all national members is coordinated by Professor Harleen Grewal (UiB and Haukeland University Hospital) and joint-coordinator Professor Lars Heggelund (UiB and Drammen hospital). The administrative and scientific responsibilities are to be undertaken by a steering committee (members to be decided). In addition, the steering committee is advised by a scientific advisory board. The practical and scientific administration of the network activities is undertaken by Dr. Siri Knoop Tandberg and Dr. Karl Erik Müller in addition to the coordinators.  

AIM 

The overall aim of ReSpiraNet is to establish a national network that seeks to strengthen research capacity, foster research collaboration, and promote coordinated efforts to contribute to optimised diagnosis, treatment and management of respiratory infections. 

Sub-objectives: 

• To provide a national arena for exchange of know-how and research methodology  

• To support recommendations and guidelines for management of respiratory infections • To support and encourage early career researchers through multidisciplinary training opportunities and participation at senior levels in network activities  

• To strengthen national diagnostic and antibiotic stewardship measures  

• To facilitate competitive applications to national and international funding agencies  

• To facilitate the conduct of research with an expanded scope