Managing and preparing for disease outbreaks

In an increasingly connected world, we face a reality where disease outbreaks can move quickly, cross borders invisibly and affect the most vulnerable communities the hardest. Outbreaks demand rapid, evidence-based response and action.

A healthcare worker wearing a mask and gloves checks a seated patient’s blood pressure with an arm cuff in a clinic room.

Our integrated approach

Our integrated research model links discovery, diagnostics, modelling, trials and implementation to strengthen global preparedness for emerging and re-emerging diseases. We bring together leading researchers and partners across:

  • Epidemiology and disease modelling
  • Vaccine research
  • Multi-country trials and human challenge models
  • Humanitarian crises
  • Social sciences

Diseases we are working on

Our research is advancing understanding of:

  • Lassa fever
  • Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever
  • Other emerging infections such as SARS-CoV-2 and Zika

We also support the development of new diagnostics and vaccine candidates, for onward implementation.

Explore related global health challenges

Climate change and environmental pressures

The climate crisis is reshaping where and how diseases emerge and spread. We combine environmental science, vector biology, digital innovation and health-systems research to turn climate data into actionable health intelligence.

Climate change and environmental pressures

Tackling resistance

Antimicrobial and insecticide resistance threaten progress across global health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. We tackle resistance from molecules to markets, bridging the gap between discovery and implementation.

Tackling resistance

Protecting vulnerable populations

Inequalities mean the most vulnerable populations are often most affected and least able to respond. Equity is at the heart of our mission, and our research focuses on improving health outcomes for the most disadvantaged communities.

Protecting vulnerable populations