February 2026: Colleagues from the University of Edinburgh attended the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's (FCDO) Science and Technology Network Conference at the John McIntyre Conference Centre (JMCC) in Edinburgh. From L-R: David Dockrell (Co-Director EID), Hilary Snaith (Development Manager, EID), Sarah Reece (Co-Director, EID) On Thursday 12 February, representatives from the University of Edinburgh were invited to participate in a market stall event at the FCDO's Science & Technology Network (SNT) Conference.The UK's SNT Network leads on developing science partnerships and deploying science diplomacy around the world. The STN has 3 objectives: projecting UK science, technology and innovation excellence and leadership globally, actively building and facilitating science, technology and innovation collaborations of value to the UK and providing insights and intelligence.The following thematic priorities are imbedded throughout the 3 objectives: opportunities and risks from critical and emerging technologies, climate and environment: addressing climate change and biodiversity loss is the number one international priority for the UK government and global health: focusing on health security, encouraging healthy societies, and supporting the life sciences sector. The FCDO event was an exciting opportunity to showcase Edinburgh’s Infectious Disease activities and emphasise the global impact of our collective activities. It will hopefully offer exciting new opportunities for collaboration with new overseas partners. Professor David Dockrell Co-Director, EID University of Edinburgh expertise Edinburgh Infectious Diseases (EID) led a high‑profile showcase of the University’s future health and care, aligning with global health, One Health and Planetary Health themes. Working with Professor Liz Grant and the Jameel Observatory, and joined by Seth Amanfo representing Tiba’s (Tackling Infection to Benefit Africa) Affected Voices programme, the team curated a busy corner of the exhibition hall that drew sustained interest throughout.More than 30 international delegates held in‑depth discussions with EID and partners, exchanged contacts, and requested follow‑ups. A QR‑linked slide deck highlighted EID’s breadth—from infection research and AMR to pandemic preparedness, alternative and advanced therapeutics, genetics/genomics, and UK regulatory and ethics frameworks—along with adjacent University strengths. Interactive elements, including a live mosquito display to spark conversations about vector‑borne disease, helped attract visitors. The live mosquitoes EID brought to the conference did an excellent job at highlighting the research of the Edinburgh Infectious Diseases community concerning the implications of climate change for vector born diseases and the importance of interdisciplinary and global collaborations to improve the future of health and care. Professor Sarah Reece Co-Director, EID Guests were interested to hear about University's Global Health and Infectious Disease research. It was so good to meet so many staff from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office last Thursday for the Global Science and Technology market stall event and then the reception in the beautiful Playfair Library The University of Edinburgh. What were some of the highlights? Chatting to FCDO representatives from across the world -and sharing ways to work together as a global community to strengthen the health of people and planet. Seeing first hand the commitment of staff who care about science making good for the future. And being convinced that the partnerships that we build in every country make us a better, stronger and a more compassionate people. Professor Liz Grant Director of the Global Health Academy Related links Infection related activities slide deckSNT network Publication date 02 Mar, 2026
