On November 9th, the University of Notre Dame REDI-NET team hosted delegates from Cornerstone Government Affairs to discuss REDI-NET activities and tour the laboratory facility. Drs. Nicole Achee (Lead PI) and John Grieco (Co-PI) highlighted current accomplishments and plans for the future progress of the program, while Dr. Benedicte Fustec, Michele Adams, and Bradley Sandberg showcased processes related to sample processing, testing, and data management linked to REDI-NET custom-designed protocols and technologies. The Cornerstone delegates also had the unique opportunity to speak to Sophomore Reid Moorman, Neuroscience and Behavior major/pre-med track, on why the UND REDI-NET laboratory was his choice for undergraduate research.
Cornerstone is a full-service, bipartisan, employee-owned consulting firm specializing in federal and state government relations, public affairs and strategic communications, and advisory services. Their role in the REDI-NET is to garner support from the Federal Government for REDI-NET activities based on government priorities related to the health and readiness of military personnel at home and overseas.
The Remote Emerging Disease Intelligence-NETwork (REDI-NET) is a long-term, phased initiative to develop a collaborative network among academia, the DoD, governmental and non-governmental institutions, and industry to address surveillance needs to effectively DETECT, PREDICT, and CONTAIN potentially emerging infectious diseases. REDI-NET leverages domestic and international surveillance efforts to optimize pathogen discovery and provide a one-stop shop for health decision-makers.
Acknowledgment: The University of Notre Dame extends its appreciation to the Washington Relations Office for organizing the event and to Cornerstone for their continued advocacy for the REDI-NET program.