The Epidemics Preparedness and Response Group (EPRG) is a UKCDR standing group convened since 2020. It brings together funders and partners to enhance collaboration and coordination in the use of research for epidemics, both in response to ongoing outbreaks and in preparation for future challenges.

What are our aims?

We aim to:

  • share information on research projects and priorities;
  • support a unified UK voice in international mechanisms;
  • promote interdisciplinary perspectives; and
  • facilitate communication among funders during outbreaks.

What is our scope?

The EPRG brings together UK government and non-government research funders and partners to enhance coordination in epidemic research. The group focuses primarily on Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) but its remit extends globally due to the cross-border nature of infectious diseases. As such, members provide information on research pertaining to epidemics, including both Official Development Assistance (ODA) and non-ODA funded research.

Who are our members?

Standing members

  • Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS)
  • Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorate
  • Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
  • Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
  • Health and Social Care Northern Ireland, Research and Development Division (HSC R&D)
  • Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
  • Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH)
  • Wellcome
  • UK Research and Innovation
    • Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
    • Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
    • Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
    • Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
    • Innovate UK
    • Medical Research Council (MRC)
    • Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

Observers

  • Pandemic Preparedness: Analytical Capacity and Funding Tracking program (Pandemic PACT)
  • UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

When do we meet?

The EPRG is convened twice a year, in April and October.

What have we done?

The EPRG has supported the development of UK-funding initiatives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola and Mpox outbreaks, thus strengthening epidemic preparedness in the UK and globally.

For more information on the group’s activities between 2020 and 2023, read the Epidemic Preparedness and Response Group report.