The University of Liverpool and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) have launched a new joint centre which aims to address the urgent need to develop new antimicrobials and accelerate solutions for existing and emerging infections (University of Liverpool, 2017).

Translating research from across these two institutions, the Centre of Excellence in Infectious Diseases Research (CEIDR), has been created to develop innovative healthcare and medical technologies to improve healthcare at global and local levels. Utilising a range of highly specialised facilities that accommodate the full lifecycle of discovery, development and deployment CEIDR will work with the NHS and industry to capitalise on the expertise and research within the institutions, allowing partners to simplify the R&D processes and reduce time and cost in order to accelerate new products into the marketplace.

Professor Bob Burgoyne , Executive Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Health and Life Sciences at University of Liverpool, along with LSTM’s Director, Professor Janet Hemingway, welcomed partners and invited guests to the launch event at LSTM and introduced them to CEIDR’s vision to address the some of the most significant challenges in global healthcare today.

Bob Burgoyne, said “Liverpool’s infection research is unique in the UK bringing together the co-location of veterinary, medicine and tropical medicine along with a focus on later stage R&D and one of the highest densities of Cat III facilities in the UK. Along with our partners we can provide access to world-class facilities, know-how and funding for those looking to develop products for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of infectious diseases.”

During the introduction Janet Hemingway and Bob Burgoyne talked about the new approaches that were needed in order to address these challenges such as the development of new antimicrobials, vaccines and immunotherapy as well as improved diagnostics and control tools for vector-borne diseases.

Janet Hemingway said “Infectious diseases cause a high burden of morbidity and mortality all over the world, which places a substantial strain on limited health budgets, health systems and economies. Here in Liverpool we have the largest concentration of translationally-focused expertise in infectious diseases, and working with partners we will be able to take that expertise from where it begins in the lab and deliver it to those people who need it most.”

The centre will utilise space in the new £24m Liverpool Life Sciences Accelerator building, due to be opened later this year and will stand within The Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, home to some of the world’s most influential players in science, health, technology, culture and education.