Anticipating and managing epidemics: how ULiège is preparing

On January 19, 2026, the University of Liège presented its project to create an Institute for Epidemics, called InDeEp, to the Minister-President of the Walloon Region and the federal and regional ministers of health. The aim of this project is to strengthen the capacity of Wallonia and Belgium to anticipate, understand, and manage epidemic crises affecting humans and animals.

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ased on a foundation of historical and recent expertise gained from the fight against COVID-19, InDeEp aims to bring together different complementary scientific disciplines within ULiège. By bringing them together in this institute project, the University intends to be able to mobilize quickly when an emergency arises.

The philosophy of the project is resolutely partnership-based. InDeEp aims to complement the public actors on the front line, in particular Sciensano and AVIQ. The objective is to offer structured academic support: scientific and epidemiological monitoring, analysis, expertise, and research capabilities that can be mobilized both before and during crises, within a coordinated framework.

Ultimately, the Institute will also need to consolidate national and international collaborations in order to quickly share weak signals, best practices, and tools that make a difference when time is of the essence.

Today's presentation to the Belgian and Walloon authorities is an important step in the development of this ambitious institutional project, which is essential to public health.

More info? www.indeep.uliege.be