News and Opinion from the Pandemic Sciences Institute at the University of Oxford
World's first Phase II Nipah virus vaccine trial launch
9 December 2025
The trial will assess the safety and immune response of the ChAdOx1 NipahB vaccine, developed by PSI scientists, in a region where the virus causes recurrent outbreaks.
First volunteer receives Lassa fever vaccine in cutting-edge Oxford trial
4 December 2025
The vaccine developed by PSI researchers aims to advance the fight against Lassa fever virus, a WHO priority pathogen posing a significant public health risk.
PSI-Dr Jenner’s House collaborative school’s programme wins educational award
27 November 2025
The Frances Garnham Award for Education celebrates innovative approaches to educational or community engagement.
New analysis reveals major global gaps in genomic surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – a call to action
24 November 2025
The analysis draws on data aggregated through the amr.watch platform, created by PSI's Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance to build more equitable and effective genomic surveillance worldwide.
PSI Director calls for stronger pandemic intelligence after UK Covid-19 Inquiry Module 2 report published
21 November 2025
Professor Sir Peter Horby comments on the UK Covid-19 Inquiry Module 2 report.
UK must step up its pandemic preparedness plans
3 September 2025
PSI colleagues Professor Alice Norton, Professor Samantha Vanderslott and Professor Sir Peter Horby reflect on what the WHO Pandemic Agreement means for the UK, in a BMJ editorial.
New research reveals optimal time intervals for COVID-19 vaccine boosters
1 September 2025
Two new papers from University of Oxford scientists have shown how the immune system reacts differently depending on the length of interval between vaccine doses.
PSI-industry oral vaccine project aims to transform immunisation strategies
18 August 2025
The project led by Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert is one of the winners of the first VaxHub Sustainable Platform Funding Call.
Bubonic plague treatment proven highly effective and safe in global first
6 August 2025
Researchers from the UK and Madagascar, in collaboration with Madagascar’s health services and national plague programme, have conducted the world’s first rigorous clinical trial of treatments for bubonic plague.
New WHO Collaborating Centre for Genomic Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance launched
4 August 2025
Hosted by the Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance at PSI, the new Centre will support efforts to tackle one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time.
HRH The Duke of Gloucester visits University of Oxford’s cutting-edge vaccine facilities
25 July 2025
The visit to the Clinical BioManufacturing Facility and the laboratories of the Oxford Vaccine Group and Pandemic Sciences Institute showcased Oxford’s global leadership in medical science and innovation.
Construction begins on state-of-the-art research facility
27 June 2025
The University of Oxford held a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday 24 June to celebrate the start of construction of the Cyrus Poonawalla Vaccines Research Building. The ceremony marks a significant milestone in Oxford’s mission to counter and constrain global health threats.
Online places still available for the International Pandemic Sciences Conference 2025
16 June 2025
Online delegates will gain insights into pandemic preparedness from wherever they are in the world.
Oxford vaccine against deadly Nipah virus granted European Medicines Agency PRIME designation
9 June 2025
The designation recognises the vaccine’s potential to address the unmet medical need arising from the devastating Nipah virus disease, which can be fatal in up to 85% of cases.
PSI's Omar El Muhanna awarded Jordanian Order for Distinction
6 June 2025
This honour comes in recognition of Mr El Muhanna's outstanding contributions to the field of biomanufacturing and his contributions to international patents.
New research published on maximising mpox vaccine availability
5 June 2025
Scientists have studied the immune response of a dose-sparing regimen to expand vaccine supply and protect more people from mpox.
First validated tool to measure stigma during multiple infectious disease outbreaks published
30 May 2025
The new RAPID Stigma Scales, led by researchers at the PSI, will help health professionals to monitor stigma in disease outbreak settings, improving outbreak responses globally.
Two new Associate Professorships demonstrate PSI’s impact in research, teaching and practice
20 May 2025
The title recognises the researchers’ “significant and sustained academic contribution” to the University.
The new Pandemic Agreement offers a glimmer of hope that no country will face future pandemic threats alone
20 May 2025
Professor Alice Norton reflects on what the new Pandemic Agreement means for global health security.
Sarah Gilbert receives Royal Society of Chemistry Honorary Fellowship
23 April 2025
PSI Principal Investigator Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert has been made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.