UofG, UKHSA and Pirbright Institute forge strategic partnership to strengthen UK epidemic preparedness
Published: 26 June 2026
The University of Glasgow, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and The Pirbright Institute 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 University of Glasgow, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and The Pirbright Institute 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, the University of Glasgow’s expertise in human viruses within the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UKHSA’s capabilities in pathogen characterisation and pandemic preparedness, and Pirbright’s leadership in animal virus research 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, advance understanding of the high consequence emerging viruses and drive future innovations in virology and public health.
Professor Emma Thomson, Director of the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), 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."
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.”
Richard Vipond, Deputy Director, Diagnostics and Pathogen Characterisation UKHSA, said: "Viruses with zoonotic potential represent the greatest pandemic risk. This One Health partnership strengthens the UK’s ability to detect, assess and respond to emerging viral threats through integrated human and animal virology, supporting epidemic preparedness and public health protection.”
UKHSA is responsible for protecting the UK population from infectious diseases, as well as chemical and radiation hazards. UKHSA also works internationally to help build global health security, and the facilities in Porton Down focuses on identifying and characterizing high consequence pathogens including those with potential pandemic threats and conducting in vitro and in vivo studies including animal testing to evaluate novel vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.
The CVR is the UK’s national centre of excellence for human virology research, with a mission to improve global health and preparedness for viral threats by carrying out fundamental research on viruses and viral diseases, and translating this knowledge into advances for global health, biosecurity and societal benefit.
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.
Enquiries: ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk or elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk
First published: 26 June 2026