NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emergency Preparedness and Response

Our work is organised across five core research themes, each focusing on a different aspect of emergency preparedness and response. The fifth cross-cutting theme, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) runs through all areas of the programme to ensure our research is inclusive and relevant to diverse communities.

Theme 1 - Prepare

Prepare is led by Dr Justine Lee (University Hospitals Birmingham) and Dr Holly Carter (UKHSA). This theme focuses on increasing readiness for a range of emergency scenarios. Activities include developing planning tools, improving understanding of risk, and strengthening preparedness at local and national levels.

Theme 2 - Respond

Respond is led by Professor Richard Amlôt (UKHSA) and Group Captain Mark Dermont (Ministry of Defence). This theme explores how to support timely and coordinated action when emergencies occur. Research focuses on improving systems, communication, and decision-making during high-pressure situations.

Theme 3 - Build

Build is led by Professor Aneel Bhangu (University of Birmingham) and Dr Thomas Finnie (UKHSA). Developing long-term resilience requires strong foundations. This theme supports research infrastructure, training, and knowledge exchange to enhance emergency preparedness over time.

Theme 4 - Pandemic Preparedness

Pandemic Preparedness is led by Dr Dmitri Nepogodiev (University of Birmingham) and Dr Dale Weston (UKHSA). This theme focuses on readiness for future pandemics. It includes work on surveillance, diagnostics, and public communication to support timely and effective responses.

Theme 5 - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is a cross-cutting theme led by Dr Ameeta Retzer (University of Birmingham) and Emma Bennett (UKHSA). This theme supports inclusive research design and delivery. It promotes representation, accessibility and equity across all themes and activities.

Across all themes, we are committed to working closely with communities and public contributors to ensure our research is inclusive, accessible and shaped by lived experience. Our Public and Community Involvement, Engagement and Participation (PCIEP) work is led by Dr Laura Nice (University of Birmingham) and Dr Helena Wehling (UKHSA). The PCIEP team play an important role in ensuring that the voices of the public and community organisations are reflected across all areas of our research. This helps make our work more inclusive, accessible and grounded in real-world experience.

We are particularly focused on engaging underserved and marginalised groups, shaping research priorities in partnership, supporting transparency and accountability throughout the programme.