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Research Areas

Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases

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Our Role

Our role is to support the delivery of high-quality Infectious Diseases and Microbiology studies and manage participant recruitment to time and target, both for studies which are led from Scotland, and studies led from other nations which Scottish sites are participating in.  We provide support in the following areas:

  • Managing the study portfolio record
  • Monitoring the attainment of recruitment targets
  • Providing advice on study design and feasibility
  • Troubleshooting issues with poor recruitment
  • Identifying potential sites for studies
  • Facilitating access to resource to support research.

Scottish sites are currently supporting more than 30 Infectious Diseases and Microbiology studies.  Almost two-thirds of these studies are led by Scotland demonstrating the level of interest and expertise of Scottish Investigators who can develop and deliver successful research studies.    

Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Studies

We are working with researchers to promote the successful delivery of research studies in the NHS. We support a wide range of research including:

  • Studies of the development and treatment of acute and chronic infectious diseases such as gastroenteritis, hepatitis, HIV, influenza, meningitis, pneumonia, septicaemia, sexually transmitted infections, skin and soft tissue infections, tuberculosis and urinary tract infections
  • Studies of the prevention, treatment and control of hospital-acquired infections such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) and CDD (Clostridium difficile disease)
  • Prevention of infections by vaccination particularly acute infectious diseases such as childhood rashes, hepatitis, herpes viruses, influenza, meningitis and pneumonia
  • Studies in microbiology laboratories of clinical infectious diseases.

Where there are considerable overlaps with other specialty areas, for example, primary care, we work closely with our colleagues in other Networks or Specialty Groups to deliver high-quality infectious diseases and microbiology research.

Patient, carer and public information

NHS Research Scotland is committed to actively involving patients, those who care for them and the public in all aspects of the research process, including shaping future research activity. Read more

Key Contacts

Specialty Leads: Dr Charis Marwick 

Performance Manager: Sarah Kennedy

Administrator: Gavin Gilfillan