Founded in Brussels in 2013 upon recommendation of the Heads of International Research Organisations (HIRO), GloPID-R was created to facilitate international collaboration between funders and deliver a targeted research response to infectious disease outbreaks with pandemic potential.

GloPID-R recognised early on that timely response depends on preparedness between outbreaks. The network coordinates preparedness research funding, facilitates the exchange of information between members, and connects existing and emerging research networks. This ongoing and developing collaboration helps address the scientific, logistical, legal, regulatory, ethical, and financial barriers that can delay research funding action during a crisis and beyond.

Equity has been a guiding principle throughout GloPID-R’s development. The network works to ensure that all funders—regardless of size or resources—can meaningfully participate, while strengthening engagement with low- and middle-income countries to promote regional ownership of research priorities and more balanced global collaboration.

Guided by this shared commitment, GloPID-R formalised its collaboration through the adoption of its first Charter in 2014 which since then was regularly adapted to respond the needs of the network. As its role and responsibilities have grown, the establishment of a dedicated Secretariat in 2014  funded by the EU marked a key milestone, reinforcing GloPID-R’s capacity to support the network.