Responsive Research

Ready to respond when it matters most

We are building capacity to respond rapidly to emerging respiratory threats. Our responsive research function will enable us to act quickly in times of public health need by deploying studies, tools, and partnerships that generate real-time evidence to inform public health responses.

This capability is embedded across all four of our research themes and ensures that our science remains not only excellent, but agile, equitable, and relevant.

A Rapid Response Protocol in development

We are currently developing a Rapid Response Research Protocol for Emerging Respiratory Pathogens (R3PERP)—a flexible, ethically approved study design that can be swiftly activated during outbreaks.

The R3PERP will:

• Be kept in a “sleeping” state and pre-approved for rapid activation
• Allow for real-time recruitment in households and care homes
• Collect data on symptoms, infectiousness, and virus transmission
• Enable early testing of interventions like diagnostics, antivirals, or vaccines

To ensure it is practical and inclusive, R3PERP will be road-tested over two winters using RSV and influenza as models. These pilot studies will focus on recruiting participants from multigenerational households and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, helping us address structural health inequalities.

Aligning with UKHSA's “100-Day Mission”

R3PERP is designed to align with the UKHSA’s pandemic preparedness goals and international “100-Day Mission” targets. Once in place, it will support:

• Early detection of transmission dynamics in affected communities
• Real-time modelling of outbreak scenarios and interventions
• Evaluation of diagnostics and novel therapeutics in natural settings

This ensures the HPRU is contributing not just to scientific knowledge, but to operational public health resilience.

Community-centred from the outset

Our responsive research model prioritises working with communities, not just for them. We engage:

• Primary care networks via Royal College General Practitioners-Research and Surveillance Centre
• Care home residents and staff through partners like VIVALDI-3
• Underserved and marginalised groups via trusted local and national partners

Activities will be co-designed with community members and reviewed by our Public Steering Committee to ensure accessibility, cultural appropriateness, and relevance.

Our track record: COVID-19 emergency studies

The HPRU has a strong record of responsive research, having led major studies during the COVID-19 pandemic, including:

Looking ahead

The tools, protocols, and partnerships developed through this work will become part of a nationally accessible resource for future emergencies. By embedding responsiveness into our structure, we are helping ensure the UK is better prepared for whatever comes next.