We are facing a paradoxical situation. On the one hand it is the first time in history that so many people - scientists and doctors - are working at the same time, on the same issue with that level of resources. The quest for vaccines and treatments is universal. Even if we hear, here or there, an unwelcome reference to the s
ecretive Manhattan Project, the scientific community knows that cooperation should and will be the name of the game. This is great news. It will hopefully be successful. And should also have positive spillovers effects. Some other ideas, molecules and processes will be discovered and tested on the way and should benefit mankind for the future.
On the other hand there is yet little certainty of increased cooperation or even coordination at the international level. Remember the rumor around the German biotech company being the target of the US?
A combination of national interest and greed might unfortunately play out. Not to forget corruption to “pre-serve” the privileged. We have to resist. Joining forces is about money, human resources, manufacturing capabilities but also about sharing an objective, some principles and ethics to get there. Vigilance is of the essence. The real-life stress-test is just starting.
With a special thought for Bruno Bweeg.