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The University of Oxford’s Pandemic Sciences Institute (PSI) has been formally launched at a two-day event at the Blavatnik School of Government, at which the lead researchers set out its direction and strategy for the next five years.The PSI will draw together academics and experts from across the University to build a multi-disciplinary institute focused on reducing the risk from infectious threats through science, innovation and building global preparedness.

Oxford city centre at night

The Pandemic Science Institute will harness the University’s research excellence as well as its global research collaborations and partnerships developed over decades between academia, industry and governments – many of whom were represented at the PSI launch, including Dr Jenny Harries and Patrick Vallance.

The PSI’s underlying 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.’

The full story is available on the University of Oxford website

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