We are one of very few centres worldwide able to safely infect healthy volunteers to study infectious diseases like meningitis. We’ve used this to find new ways of preventing infection and advancing vaccination efforts. We are also leading national and international trials that address the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Our Point-of-Care Testing expertise was rapidly translated into real-world impact during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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• In a world-first controlled infection with genetically modified bacteria, we showed stronger resulting immunity against Neisseria meningitidis. We’re now trialling freeze-dried bacteria in West Africa, a site of major outbreaks.

• Our controlled infection studies were key to confirming theories about whooping cough and advancing prevention. We are now developing new infection measures, enabling vaccine trials for herd immunity. Read more

• We have developed and shared a range of tests and behavioural approaches that help reduce the use of antibiotics. Our work is referred to in guidelines setting standards of care for the NHS. The national GP’s online antibiotic use toolkit and NHS patient information draws upon our research.

• Our pioneering Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) research has substantially cut diagnosis times of respiratory diseases. Two key studies between 2014 and 2020 have been fed by Dr Tristan Clark into UK POCT testing guidelines.

• When COVID-19 hit, we rapidly evaluated POCT technology for SARS-CoV-2 and cut diagnosis time from over 21 hours to under two hours. Read more

• By January 2021, all acute NHS hospitals were using these rapid COVID-19 tests. The technology cut in-hospital infections, saved lives across the NHS and helped turn the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic.