We are delighted to welcome you to the brand new website of the UK Covid Vaccine Research Hub.
The website, funded by UK Research and Innovation via the National Core Studies Programme and managed by the British Society for Immunology, aims to champion and celebrate the immense contribution of UK researchers to the development and understanding of vaccines for COVID-19, and act as a hub for information and resources about this vital work.
Every week, new insights are emerging about vaccines and their role in tackling the pandemic, helping us to understand how the body responds, how long protection lasts, and how to harness their benefits safely and effectively. The UK Covid Vaccine Research Hub is designed to bring you up-to-date information, news and resources to keep you informed and inspired about the science behind these developments.
The research contributing to our understanding of vaccines is undertaken by a wide range of experts, including immunologists, epidemiologists, data scientists, bioinformaticians, statisticians and many others. Some researchers are directly involved in vaccine trials, but many more are looking at hugely important areas such as efficacy against new variants, dosing intervals and timing of boosters, how well the vaccines protect people with a range of health conditions, factors affecting vaccine uptake and numerous other topics. All of this expertise and knowledge will combine to help us refine and deepen our understanding of the vaccines and how best to use them to protect populations across the globe.
In order to capture this diverse and fascinating research output, the new site hosts a directory of research publications relating to vaccines for COVID-19, and information about trials currently under way, including how these are funded, what they aim to achieve and how to become involved. Our news pages present the latest scientific discoveries in a digestible, engaging and easy-to-understand way.
A set of pages for the public host an array of clear, engaging resources on a wide range of topics, including how the immune system responds to COVID-19, how vaccines prevent illness, and information for specific groups such as young people, pregnant women and people with reduced immunity. These resources have been created by organisations and individuals with a wealth of experience and expertise, and are regularly updated as new insights emerge.
Another section aimed at policy makers showcases reports, briefings and other resources from a wide range of UK organisations, demonstrating the scale of the contribution of the UK’s researchers to global efforts to end the pandemic, and outlining the policy developments needed to ensure they can continue to play this vital role.
In addition, the site aims to provide researchers themselves with tools and information to help them undertake their work, such as details of upcoming funding calls and awards, advice on how to talk about their work to the public, information about collaborations, new approaches, latest developments in a range of fields, and much more.
Dr Doug Brown, Chief Executive of the British Society for Immunology, said:
Since the pandemic began, there has been an unprecedented spotlight on scientific research, and on vaccines in particular. Never has there been more appetite for information and knowledge about how vaccines work, how they are developed and tested, and about the risks and benefits for individuals.
This exciting new initiative, the UK Covid Vaccine Research Hub, aims to help meet this demand while promoting awareness and support for the work being undertaken by UK research teams, whose explorations are vital to global efforts to bring us out of the pandemic.
If you would like to let us know about a study, research initiative, publication, resource or funding opportunity to feature on the site, please contact us.