Interview with Prof. Cornely on warm base networks

In this interview, Professor Oliver Cornely, head of VACCELERATE,  discusses the concept of warm base networks and their critical role in maintaining laboratory readiness and quality. Through his extensive experience, he highlights how these networks ensure rapid response capabilities and foster strong, trusted partnerships in vaccine and clinical research.

What does a "warm base laboratory network" mean to you?

Oliver Cornely: For me, a warm base laboratory network refers to a system that remains "warm" or operational even when not all laboratories are actively working on a specific study. This is crucial in vaccine studies, for example. A good warm base network should include a large number of sites with diverse capabilities. Some labs might handle easier analyses, while others specialize in more complex ones, or manage centralized and local analysis. In some countries, due to legal restrictions, you can't ship samples outside their borders. In such cases, a national central lab becomes essential for managing and analysing those samples.

What would you say is the importance of maintaining a warm base network?

Oliver Cornely: First, it’s about readiness for emergencies like outbreaks. Second, there’s the question of Return On Investment (ROI). By keeping these laboratories warm, you can ensure they are ready to start quickly when needed. You must give them intermediate work so they remain familiar with the processes, which ensures quality. This is especially important during something like a phase 3 pandemic trial, where speed is essential.

Giving labs small tasks—like handling a few patient samples per week—helps maintain their readiness. If multiple studies are happening simultaneously, but with fewer patients per site, the data can still aggregate to provide meaningful insights. And this ongoing work keeps the laboratories warm, which in turn supports efficient and rapid responses when necessary.

From an ROI perspective, it's also about using taxpayer money wisely. If a taxpayer asks, "What are you doing with my money?", we need to have a clear answer. For example, when it comes to vaccine research, there are many questions still to address. What's the best vaccination regimen for patients with lymphoma? Is it one dose or multiple doses? A warm base network allows us to address these questions over time, providing valuable insights while justifying the investment.

In your experience, what are the biggest benefits of working with a warm base network?

Oliver Cornely: The key benefits are the capacity and diversity of laboratories. In my view, you need three types of labs in your network.

• First, regional labs that can store and handle samples immediately. These labs deal with preanalytical tasks, such as freezing and shipping samples.
• Second, you need national labs for countries where samples can’t be shipped abroad, acting as the central lab.
• Finally, you need top-tier labs where all the results or samples can be analysed. These labs might even be part of organizations like LAB-Net, which centrally manages them.

Quality control is another major benefit. In a well-structured warm base network, you essentially create a pyramid. The central organization checks the quality of the work, ensuring it meets high standards across all the labs.

And perhaps the most significant benefit is trust. Over the years, you build strong relationships with these labs. Trust can’t be established overnight, and I always prefer working with trusted partners. It’s like going to your trusted bakery—you know they’ll deliver quality every time.

How is your experience working with LAB-Net as a warm base network?

Oliver Cornely: LAB-Net excels in providing scientific expertise, especially during crises. When new tests or assays need to be developed, I rely on dialogue with your LAB-Net scientists. This collaboration goes beyond basic reporting. When I set up my study protocols, I discuss them with them to ensure everything aligns. LAB-Net isn’t just about receiving samples and running tests—they offer valuable insights and guidance, making the whole process much more efficient.

You mentioned trust as a key factor. Could you share an example of when LAB-Net’s capabilities proved essential?

Oliver Cornely: Absolutely. I remember a study during the pandemic where we needed samples analysed quickly. Initially, we tried a lab outside of the LAB-Net network, and it turned into a nightmare—it just didn’t work. In the midst of the pandemic, speed was critical. LAB-Net stepped in, and their team was incredibly professional. Even during the holiday season, they delivered the results within a week. That experience was a true test of their capability and reinforced my trust in them.

How does LAB-Net differ from other organizations, such as Contract Research Organizations (CROs)?

Oliver Cornely: The main difference is the relationship. With LAB-Net, I don’t feel like a customer. It’s a partnership based on trust and scientific collaboration, which is key for me. CROs, on the other hand, often operate more transactionally. The personal approach and expertise of LAB-Net’s team make them much more approachable and efficient to work with.

It sounds like LAB-Net’s network structure is also a major advantage.

Oliver Cornely: Absolutely. LAB-Net has an extensive network of laboratories across Europe, and they know each lab’s capabilities in detail, even down to the site level. They also handle biobanking, which adds another layer of convenience.

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About Oliver Cornely

Prof. Oliver Cornely is a renowned German physician specializing in infectious diseases and haematology. He is known for his pioneering research in medical mycology, particularly in fungal infections. Cornely holds a professorship at the University of Cologne and plays a key role at the University Hospital Cologne. His extensive contributions to clinical trials have significantly advanced the understanding of infectious diseases, positioning him as a global leader in his field.

About VACCELERATE

VACCELERATE was established on the initiative and with financial support of the European Commission as a clinical research network for the coordination and conduct of COVID-19 vaccine trials. The project aims to improve the response capability also in newly emerging pandemics and thus to make a decisive contribution to emergency preparedness. The network is comprised of academic institutions from all over Europe. The consortium is led by Prof. Cornely at the University Hospital Cologne, Germany, and currently includes 31 national partners in 18 EU-member states and 5 countries associated to the EU Horizon 2020 research programme.