The University of Oxford has officially launched its new Pandemic Sciences Institute (PSI), which will see experts from across the University work together to protect populations from the threat of future infections.
The Institute was formally launched at a two-day event at the Blavatnik School of Government, during which the lead researchers set out its direction and strategy for the next five years.
The PSI has stated its mission will be to ‘create collaborative solutions to infectious disease threats, bringing together fundamental and translational research to improve global health and enhance real-world capabilities to respond to future outbreaks’.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Sir Peter Horby, Moh Family Foundation Professor of Emerging Infections and Director of the Pandemic Sciences Institute, said:
During the COVID pandemic, diagnostic tests, drugs and vaccines were developed and deployed at speeds that were previously unthinkable, and we benefited from remarkable insights into epidemiology, biology and behaviour in near real time.
The Pandemic Sciences Institute aims to make such exceptional achievements routine and ensure the benefits are shared by all. We believe that we can make the world a safer place for everyone by uniting disciplines and sectors to tackle complex infectious disease threats together.
Also, speaking at the event was Professor Miles Carroll, Head of High Consequence Emerging Viruses, who explained why partnerships with low- to middle-income countries will be key to containing dangerous pathogens in future.
Christophe Fraser, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, described how data sciences can increase our chances of successfully preventing pandemics, and stressed the importance of early analytics and community engagement.
Dame Sarah Gilbert, Saïd Professor of Vaccinology, and Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, took the opportunity to stress the importance of collaborative efforts in developing the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.