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Purpose and aims - Department of Disease Control

Our purpose is to perform innovative, internationally competitive basic and applied scientific research translating into policy and practice, with meaningful and demonstrable impact on the control of diseases. Our work is predominantly carried out in developing countries, and we aim to educate and support the future generations of public health researchers.

Aims

1. Discovery and innovation
  • To perform multidisciplinary, cutting-edge, vital research to advance our understanding of disease systems and mechanisms, leading to the discovery and development of new tools, technologies, theories and methodologies.
2. Implementation of interventions
  • To conduct epidemiologically relevant experimental and implementation research studies with measurable clinical outcomes, in both disease endemic countries and in emergency settings.
  • To address knowledge gaps between effective interventions and their delivery to communities, and translation into practice, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
3. Evaluation
  • To conduct impact and process evaluations, on experimental and implementation research studies, using a range of quantitative, qualitative and economic methods.
4. Policy and practice

To execute work to promote health that directly impacts policy and practice through:

  • the study of methods to improve the quality and effectiveness of health services and care;
  • exploiting our research findings to support evidence-based policymaking that can build robust programmes to improve public health;
  • meaningful engagement with national and international public health organisations and departments such as WHO, CDC, Ministries of Health, NGOs, policy makers, public health departments, the private sector and the public.
5. Education

To support the next generation of public health researchers by:

  • delivering a high quality, innovative, current teaching programme with depth of provision and facilitate close inter-relationships between teaching, scholarship and research;
  • providing programme leadership on the MEDiC, Med Parasitology and One Health MSc courses;
  • facilitating unique experiences and opportunities for MSc and research degree students, particularly overseas in developing countries;
  • creating a supportive environment and enjoyable experience for MSc and research degree students with quality supervision and opportunities for development;
  • Responding to emerging public health challenges through the development of open access education and training such as MOOCs.