Outlines the scientific assets, capabilities and ambitions of
UKHSA, and our plan to protect the nation's health from current
and future health threats.
UKHSA science
strategy
Details
The science strategy shares our vision of how, through science,
we will secure health and prosperity. It describes how we can
develop our current scientific disciplines and infrastructures to
meet the current and future health threats both nationally and
globally.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) protects our
communities from infectious diseases and the impact of chemical,
radiological and other environmental health hazards. Our work
depends on generating and applying the best scientific evidence.
Through investment in scientific workforce and deeper
partnerships with industry and academia, the strategy sets out
UKHSA's ambitions
to:
-
predict and anticipate health threats, through investing in
genomics, data science and surveillance, including disease
vector (such as mosquitoes and ticks) surveillance
-
create a more secure environment, by enhancing our
understanding of the threats in the environment and building
scientific defences against these hazards
-
reduce and eliminate health threats, by strengthening the
scientific evidence underpinning health protection programmes
– at home and abroad
-
act on the scientific evidence, translating data, knowledge
and insights into practical actions
-
unlock the potential of scientific assets, and secure the
legacy from the pandemic to increase the impact of our
science on health and economic prosperity, strengthening
vaccine and diagnostic development and evaluation and data
science
In 2025, UKHSA has
published its first science review. This summarises progress with
the implementation of the strategy and considers the impact of
our science.
In March 2026, the second annual science review looks back at our
scientific work from 2025, bringing together examples of
cutting‑edge research, strengthened partnerships and scientific
advances that are enhancing our ability to detect, understand and
respond to health threats.
