We have established a centre-of-excellence for world-class health protection research focussed on the needs of the public, in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), through two consecutive 5-year HPRUs in Respiratory Infections. 

Our work’s public health value was exemplified by our unique contribution to the global COVID-19 response, including the largest detailed study on virus transmission in households. 

Our strategy is guided by UKHSA’s Strategic Plan 2023-2026 and Science Strategy 2023-2033 alongside evolving public health priorities. It is driven by three principles:

• Addressing respiratory infections with the greatest public health impact

• Prioritising prevention to control spread of respiratory infections, reduce antibiotic-resistance and ensure interventions are cost-effective

• Reducing health inequalities as a social and ethical imperative

Our pathways to public health impact include:

• Harnessing scientific breakthroughs to develop new, cost-effective public health interventions with UKHSA

• Generating new evidence to fill knowledge gaps, enhance clinical practice, and shape policy

• Analysing routinely-collected real-time data on patterns of viral infections in the population to formulate timely preventative actions.

Our Independent International Scientific Advisory Board, comprising respiratory infection and public health experts, will oversee our strategy. Public Steering Committee, representing diverse underprivileged groups, ensures our accountability and relevance to the public. Both advisory groups have helped shape our strategy.

In collaboration with Imperial College London, University of Sheffield, University of Bristol and University of Oxford.