Background

Cambridge Infectious Diseases Interdisciplinary Research Centre (CID IRC; https://www.infectiousdisease.cam.ac.uk/) is a virtual centre which exists to increase Cambridge’s contribution to innovative infectious diseases research. It focuses on building and strengthening collaborative and cross-disciplinary approaches across the University’s school and departments, bringing together experts across the key thematic areas of human health, animal health and the environment to better understand the threats of infectious disease emergence and transmission, response and control. As well as coordinating the implementation of centre’s programme of work, I am working on CID’s strategic development to increase the opportunities for interdisciplinary research and to fully utilise the breadth of experience and expertise we have across the University – which is of critical importance as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.