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New and Re-emerging Diseases

Horizon scanning

In order to be able to respond to potential health threats we need to understand what the threats are. This means that we are constantly on the look out for new or re-emerging diseases. Our research is aimed at improving our understanding of these diseases so that we can provide expert advice or develop countermeasures.

We undertake horizon scanning activities with the aim of identifying and assessing the threats posed by new or re-emerging infectious diseases that might be introduced into the UK. This work is performed by our Microbial Risk Assessment group who have developed computer models and simulations to help the Agency, government and others in the formulation of policy, emergency health planning and disease countermeasures.

As well as looking for new diseases we also need to be able to detect them. The detection of novel and dangerous pathogens is undertaken by our Special Pathogens Reference Unit  which is part of the Agency's network of Reference Laboratories.

We also undertake fundamental research into public health issues and have a couple of programmes which aim to develop new vaccines. One programme is focused on developing a vaccine against meningitis B whilst another aims to find a more effective tuberculosis vaccine.

In addition to this public health work we also undertake contract research and service provision on a commercial basis with industry. More details of these services are available through our Business pages.