The Pirbright Institute, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the University of Glasgow have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing a strategic partnership which will ensure a collaborative approach to UK epidemic preparedness, advanced virology research and the training of future scientists.
The Viral Research Institutes (VRI) brings together three national centres of excellence in human and animal virology to create a One Health-driven flow between fundamental research and UK health security needs, to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of global efforts to combat viral diseases.
Together, the VRI combines, amongst other things, Pirbright’s leadership in animal virus research, UKHSA’s capabilities in pathogen characterisation and pandemic preparedness and the University of Glasgow’s expertise in human viruses to strengthen the UK’s ability to respond to current and emerging viral threats.
Under the five-year agreement, the three institutions will promote long-term joint research initiatives and explore research capabilities, such as harnessing the use of high containment lab facilities, as well as collaborative teaching and workshops which will support early-career researchers to gain hands-on experience in virology research and drive future innovations in virology and public health.
Professor Bryan Charleston MRCVS FRS, Director and CEO of The Pirbright Institute, said:
“Our three organisations contain national infrastructures with critical roles in virology and preparedness for viral threats. Our MoU reflects our joint vision to bring together complementary expertise and create a One-Health driven continuum between fundamental virology research and public health, underpinned by collaboration and training that supports scientific excellence.”
Professor Emma Thomson, Director of the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, said:
"This MoU marks an important and necessary step forward in collaborative research and education. By connecting our scientific expertise across human and animal virology, we will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of global health security. Equally important, this partnership will provide unparalleled training opportunities for the next generation of scientists in this critical field."
The Pirbright Institute is a world leading centre of excellence in research and surveillance of virus diseases of livestock and viruses that spread from animals to humans, enhancing global capability to contain, control and eliminate disease through highly innovative fundamental and applied bioscience.