Journal of Mosquito Research 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 184-194 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/jmr 185 2 The Landscape of Global Research Collaboration 2.1 Historical perspective on international collaboration in mosquito research International collaboration in mosquito research has a long history, driven by the global nature of mosquito-borne diseases and the need for coordinated efforts to combat them. Early collaborations were often bilateral, involving partnerships between institutions in high-income countries and those in regions heavily affected by mosquito-borne diseases. Over time, these collaborations have expanded to include multilateral networks and consortia. For instance, the ZikaPLAN consortium, funded by the European Commission, exemplifies a modern transnational research effort aimed at addressing the Zika epidemic and building research capacity in Latin America (Franklinos et al., 2019). This consortium not only advanced scientific understanding but also established a robust network for future research on vector-borne diseases (Jones et al., 2019). 2.2 Key international organizations and networks Several key international organizations and networks play pivotal roles in fostering global collaboration in mosquito research (Fernandes et al., 2018). The World Health Organization (WHO) has been instrumental in coordinating efforts and providing guidelines for mosquito control and disease prevention. Additionally, the European Commission has funded numerous research consortia, such as ZikaPLAN, which have significantly contributed to the global understanding of mosquito-borne diseases. Other notable networks include the REDe network, which offers freely available training resources to enhance global research capacity in vector-borne diseases, and the Zika Brazilian Cohorts Consortium, which facilitates data sharing and joint analyses (Jones et al., 2020). 2.3 Trends in funding and resources for collaborative research Funding for collaborative research on mosquito-borne diseases has seen significant growth, particularly from international bodies and high-income countries (Rund and Martinez, 2017). The European Commission, for example, has been a major funder of research consortia like ZikaPLAN, which not only addressed immediate research needs but also built long-term research capacity in affected regions. Additionally, there has been an increasing trend in funding for innovative mosquito control technologies, ranging from genetic modifications to environmental interventions (Manguin et al., 2010). This diversified funding landscape has enabled a broader range of research activities and fostered interdisciplinary approaches to tackling mosquito-borne diseases (Fernandes et al., 2018). 2.4 Challenges in building and maintaining collaborative networks Despite the successes, building and maintaining collaborative networks in mosquito research face several challenges (Brugueras et al., 2020). One significant challenge is the disparity in resources and research capacity between high-income and low- and middle-income countries. This can lead to imbalances in collaboration, where high-income countries dominate the research agenda (Weissenböck et al., 2010). Additionally, logistical issues such as data sharing, intellectual property rights, and differing regulatory environments can hinder effective collaboration. The ZikaPLAN consortium, for instance, had to navigate these challenges to successfully share individual-level data for joint analyses (Fernandes et al., 2018). Furthermore, sustaining funding and interest in long-term research initiatives remains a critical challenge, especially as immediate public health crises subside. In conclusion, while global collaboration in mosquito research has made significant strides, ongoing efforts are needed to address the challenges and ensure equitable and effective partnerships (Smith et al., 2014). The historical perspective, key organizations, funding trends, and challenges outlined here provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of global research collaboration in mosquito-borne diseases (Benelli and Mehlhorn, 2016). 3 Data Sharing Practices in Mosquito-Borne Disease Research 3.1 Importance of data sharing for disease control and prevention Data sharing is crucial for the control and prevention of mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) as it facilitates the rapid dissemination of information, enabling timely responses to outbreaks. Effective data sharing can enhance the understanding of disease dynamics, improve the accuracy of predictive models, and support the development of targeted interventions. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of
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