Cambridge Infectious Diseases Interdisciplinary Research Centre
Cambridge Infectious Diseases Interdisciplinary Research Centre (CIDIRC) is a leading international hub for research and teaching that focuses on infectious diseases and the impact these have on national and global health.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 14 million people globally die each year from infectious diseases (i.e. one-fourth of total annual deaths). While the majority of these deaths occur in less wealthy countries, globalization and increased ease of travel have accelerated the speed within which infectious diseases are transmitted across the world. Moreover, in many wealthier countries, infectious diseases that were previously believed to be under control — such as tuberculosis, measles, and whooping cough — have returned at alarming rates. In all world sectors, infectious disease morbidity severely compromises not only the health of populations, but also impacts economic productivity and social stability.
Our aim is to create interdisciplinary solutions to reduce the burden of infectious diseases globally.
Cambridge Infectious Diseases is one of a select group of University-wide Interdisciplinary Research Centres at Cambridge, designed to build research capacity in tackling some of today's grand challenges. Our mission is to promote dialogue and knowledge transfer between infectious disease scientists of all disciplines, to spark innovative thinking, and to catalyse the formation of interdisciplinary partnerships for disruptive research at local, national and international scales.
A collaborative and interdisciplinary research culture is the hallmark of the University of Cambridge, and this extends to the study of infectious diseases in a planetary health context. As a virtual network, we connect over 300 infectious diseases researchers across the University from biological sciences, medicine, physical sciences, social sciences, humanities, computer science and engineering. Our activities support collaboration in a variety of ways; joint ownership, partnership, coordination, information exchange, convening and consulation. Amongst our infectious diseases priorities are novel and re-emerging pathogens, infectious diseases at the human-animal interface, pathogen population genetics and transmission dynamics, and antimicrobial resistance.
Cambridge Infectious Diseases IRC is governed by a Steering Committee co-chaired by Professor James Wood (Department of Veterinary Medicine) and Dr. Lydia Drumright (Department of Medicine), which includes senior and early career representatives from across all six schools at the University of Cambridge and key affiliated partner institutes and organisations. The centre network is coordinated by Dr Allyson Walsh (alw83@cam.ac.uk).
Joining Cambridge Infectious Diseases is open to Cambridge-based researchers, at any level of their career, with an interest in research relating to infectious diseases. We believe working more closely together is fundamental to our vision of pushing forward he boundaries of knowledge, and reducing the burden of infectious diseases globally. Please join us.
Professor James Wood
Dr Lydia Drumright
Co-Chairs, Cambridge Infectious Diseases
