Date Time How can we prepare for future pandemics? EMBL and Portugal gather leading international experts to showcase progress in the fight against COVID-19 and share lessons for the future Thousands of participants from across the globe came together to engage with leading figures from healthcare, academia, and industry. Credit: Holly Joynes/EMBL On 27 April, participants from more than 100 countries gathered to discuss key lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of an enterprise implemented by Portugal during its presidency of the Council of the EU, EMBL and Portugal brought international experts together for a virtual conference. A wide range of topics were covered, including immunology, infectious diseases, and the molecular biology of viruses. The conference provided a valuable opportunity to ensure that important lessons are not lost in the rush towards a world where life is no longer so dominated by COVID-19.