Research network unites broad expertise to target widespread impacts of disease outbreaks. Roslin scientists are taking part in an initiative to promote interdisciplinary research that will help society prepare for the next pandemic.The Edinburgh Pandemic Research Forum (EPRF) will seek to help the world prepare more effectively for pandemics by addressing a major lesson from the Covid-19 outbreak – pandemics affect far more than healthcare systems alone.It aims to address a major gap in preparedness planning around the world. Beyond the pandemic’s toll of illness and death, the outbreak disrupted schools, workplaces, livelihoods, public services and wellbeing.EPRF brings together 87 experts from diverse disciplines to improve understanding of these broader impacts and strengthen future preparedness.It is hosted by Edinburgh Infectious Diseases, which includes Roslin Institute researchers, and is one of the largest groupings of infectious disease experts in Europe. The Forum will seek to enable broad pandemic preparation. Wider implications The Forum is among the first research initiatives in the world to integrate the protection of public health with addressing the wider societal harms of pandemics.It seeks to identify how preparedness plans and responses can incorporate the impacts of a pandemic on people, communities, businesses, services, and the environment.A programme of events, training and collaborative activities will bring together researchers and wider stakeholders, support postgraduate students and early career researchers, contribute to policy discussions, participate in national and international networks, and provide expert advice during health emergencies.The Forum recognises that pandemic research needs to extend beyond clinical medicine and public health, to encompass human behaviour, social science, economics, ethics, governance, education, biodiversity, farming and more.These are areas of expertise within the research community at the University of Edinburgh, making EPRF well placed to take a broad approach regarding future health emergencies.The Forum includes researchers in informatics, social and political science, law, education and sport, business and engineering, and specialists from NHS Lothian, Edinburgh Napier University and the Moredun Research Institute. The world needs to be prepared for the next global pandemic and the Edinburgh research community is rising to the challenge.We made outstanding and impressively diverse contributions to research during the Covid-19 pandemic. This Forum will help us respond even more effectively to future infectious disease emergencies. Professor Mark Woolhouse Chair of Infectious Disease Epidemiology The Roslin Institute receives strategic investment funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and it is part of the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. Related links Edinburgh Pandemic Research Forum Image credit: Martin Sanchez on Unsplash. Tags News Roslin Publication date 21 May, 2026
