How do SARS-COV-2 variants, coupled with other factors, influence the short- and long-term clinical course of COVID-19? Is the efficacy of vaccines or diagnostic tests affected as new variants emerge? Does treatment efficacy vary among variants? Do variants influence, and how, the spread in the school setting? Can we define a better testing and containment strategy in the school setting? What is the impact of containment measures, including schools closure, on pupils and teachers?

34 institutions from 4 continents collaborate to find answers to these and other crucial questions and to create a sustainable network to promptly tackle similar issues in the future.