This pioneering initiative established in 2024 seeks to address the risks from future pandemics that may result from human interventions—from naturally emerging or artificial pathogens, released accidentally or maliciously, and by state or non-state actors. 

Security threats from the volatile geopolitical context, increasing global mobility, the spread of misinformation and the erosion of trust in public institutions mean that the risks of a deliberate release of a pathogen must be taken very seriously. Advances in gene editing and artificial intelligence might also make it easier to create new pathogens.  

What’s needed is a joined-up approach involving experts from academia, government, industry and civil society, working together to develop a better understanding of who or what might drive such events and what their likely impact would be. 

​The programme’s key objectives are to develop a robust conceptual framework for managing engineered pandemic risks and to support and enhance the UK’s policy and practice capabilities by fostering a vibrant network for learning and collaboration. International networks will be created to support the work globally. 

This far-sighted and generous gift securing the Engineered Pandemics Risk Management Programme will be developed with further fundraising to support the creation of a future Pandemic Risk Management Centre. 

Visit the Engineered Pandemic Risk Management website