Joined-up infectious disease research called for
5 Mar 2009 by Evoluted New Media
The Royal Society has called on the Government to create a National Institute for Infectious Diseases, which would integrate research on diseases affecting both humans and animals.
The Royal Society has called on the Government to create a National Institute for Infectious Diseases, which would integrate research on diseases affecting both humans and animals.
Professor Gull, who chaired a recent meeting of experts in human and veterinary diseases from academia and industry at the Royal Society said: “If we are to be able to respond quickly to outbreaks in animals and humans we will need effective joined-up organisational structures and policies in place.”
At the moment, it is not clear which Government departments have the overall responsibility for many infectious diseases.
Enabling scientists to draw on a common pool of knowledge across animal and human medicine would increase the capacity to respond to national emergencies through surveillance, control and eradication. Also, sharing knowledge of animal and human diseases may provide insights on how to improve prevention and treatment. The Royal Society believes that creating a National Institute will advance research in infectious diseases.
Professor Gull said, “The cost of funding research now will be far less than the cost of dealing with a pandemic that we are not prepared for.”
By Leila Sattary
