Search Centre projects
Understanding the transmission of tuberculosis using Mycobacterium tuberculosis sequence data
New sequencing technologies have the ability to generate vast amounts of data, but there is a need to translate this information into knowledge useable by other research scientists and industry. Our work will provide tools useful for genomic data analysis and modeling, which can be utilized across infectious diseases and in different settings. An understanding of genomic variation underlying transmission could lead to laboratory experiments for M. tuberculosis pathogenesis and host interaction, improved tests for detecting transmissible M. tuberculosis, and insights for academics involved in policy formulation.
Project dates: 2016 - 2020
Project lead and staff: Judith Glynn, Mia Crampin, Richard White, Taane Clark
Funder: Medical Research Council (MRC)
Using system dynamics modelling for collaborative, evidence-based design of interventions to reduce tuberculosis transmission in South African health facilities
Assessing system dynamics modelling as a way to engage with stakeholders and prioritise interventions to reduce TB transmission in primary healthcare facilities in South Africa.
Project dates: June 2019 - May 2021
Project staff: Alison Grant, Aaron Karat, Anna Vassall
Collaborating institutions: LSE, QMU Edinburgh, IDS
Funder: Bloomsbury SET
VALIDATE - Vaccine development for complex intracellular neglected pathogens
The VALIDATE network aims to promote vaccine research and development (R&D) for complex intracellular pathogens that cause significant disease burden in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Our initial focus is on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (which causes TB), Leishmania species (leishmaniasis), Burkholderia pseudomallei (melioidosis) and Mycobacterium leprae (leprosy).
The Network’s priorities lie in bringing together researchers from different specialities, different countries, different institutes and who work on different pathogens, with the aim of together making significant progress towards vaccines against our focus pathogens. Key interests are in vivo research, cross-pathogen studies, projects promoting the One Health agenda, and collaborative projects involving LMIC researchers. The Network provides pump-priming research grants to Network collaborations to further research in this field, via competitive application.
Project dates: May 2017 - April 2020
Project lead: Helen Fletcher
Collaborating institution: University of Oxford
Funder: MRC GCRF