iSPARC uses an emerging infectious disease outbreak simulation to transform how participants approach complex problems: moving them from discipline-specific thinking toward essential collaborative integration. Working in a hybrid format that mirrors real-world conditions, teams must synthesize diagnostic evidence, epidemiological patterns, social dynamics, and policy constraints to formulate actionable recommendations.

This process requires navigating incomplete data, competing stakeholder demands, and the communication challenges inherent in distributed collaboration. In doing so, iSPARC addresses a critical gap in pandemic preparedness training: while global health research trainees typically develop extensive disciplinary expertise, they often lack opportunities to practice integrative competencies essential for real-world epidemic response.
 

The priority learning objectives are:

• Synthesize evidence across disciplines:
  Integrate diagnostic, epidemiological, and social science findings into coherent outbreak assessments and policy-relevant recommendations despite incomplete data and evolving uncertainties
• Communicate across organizational boundaries:
  Communicate technical findings effectively to diverse audiences whilst conveying both evidence strength and limitations transparently.
• Coordinate in hybrid international teams:
  Apply effective strategies for distributed collaboration, navigating communication challenges, and decision-timing constraints inherent in geographic and organizational boundaries.

iSPARC represents a first-time collaboration between three leading institutions, offering participants unique access to their combined expertise and international networks.

iACE Global Health at BNITM brings extensive experience in outbreak investigation training, capacity exchange, and global health education through various international initiatives and networks, including tropEd. The Institute of Virology at Charité contributes recognized expertise in pandemic prevention research and capacity strengthening, virus diagnostics, and outbreak investigation as a WHO Coronavirus Network member and National Reference Center. The PDPC Academy at Erasmus University Rotterdam leverages its unique interdisciplinary approach demonstrated through integrated science for policy projects and simulation exercises combining technical, medical, and social sciences perspectives.