May 2026: An initiative led by Edinburgh researchers and supported by Edinburgh Infectious Diseases will help the world prepare more effectively for future pandemics by addressing one of the major lessons of COVID-19 – pandemics affect far more than healthcare systems alone. COVID-19 highlighted a major gap in preparedness planning around the world. Beyond its toll of illness and death, the pandemic disrupted schools, workplaces, livelihoods, public services and wellbeing.The Edinburgh Pandemic Research Forum (EPRF) brings together 87 academics and clinicians from diverse disciplines to improve understanding of these broader impacts and strengthen future preparedness.Pandemic research needs to extend beyond clinical medicine and public health. It must also encompass human behaviour, social science, econo Pandemic planning Pandemic research needs to extend beyond clinical medicine and public health. It must also encompass human behaviour, social science, economics, ethics, governance, education, biodiversity, farming and more.These are well-established areas of expertise within the Edinburgh research community, making the EPRF exceptionally well-positioned to take a broader approach to future health emergencies.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. Diverse expertise The EPRF is hosted by Edinburgh Infectious Diseases, one of the largest groupings of infectious disease experts in Europe.The Forum also includes researchers from the University of Edinburgh’s Schools of 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 EPRF’s mission is to promote interdisciplinary research that will help society prepare for the next pandemic. A programme of events, training and collaborative activities will bring together researchers and wider stakeholders, support postgraduate students and early career researchers.The EPRF will also contribute to policy discussions, participate in national and international networks, and provide expert advice during health emergencies. 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 Forum lead and Chair of Infectious Disease Epidemiology The EPRF is an important new venture for Edinburgh Infectious Diseases. We look forward to facilitating the highly collaborative and multidisciplinary community in Edinburgh to turn research insights into coordinated, life-saving action. Professor Sarah Reece Edinburgh Infectious Diseases Co-Director Related links Edinburgh Pandemic Research Forum Publication date 19 May, 2026
