Oxford Martin School

What are we doing?
Our mission is to understand the underlying processes that drive the emergence and spread of novel human infectious diseases.

Why is it important?
New infections still present a threat to humanity. Novel pathogens often infect humans, but it is not yet well understood why only some pathogens acquire the ability to spread efficiently to other humans.

How are we different?
We use both experimental and modelling work to learn about how viruses evolve and spread. By combining mathematical modelling with clinical practice to examine pathogen behaviour, we are better able to anticipate and prepare for the challenges posed by novel infections.