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Research Areas

Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases

The NHS Research Scotland (NRS) Infectious Diseases Group is funded by the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) of the Scottish Government to support clinical research, which is an integrated part of healthcare in Scotland.

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 30 infectious diseases and microbiology studies. Many of these studies are led from Scotland, demonstrating the level of interest and expertise of Scottish investigators in developing and delivering successful research.   

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 infections
  • studies of the prevention, treatment, and control of healthcare associated infections
  • prevention of infections by vaccination
  • microbiology laboratories studies of pathogens causing clinical infections

Where there is considerable overlap with other specialty areas, we work closely with our colleagues across NHS Research Scotland to deliver the highest quality clinical research.

Information for patients, carers and the public

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 Lead: Dr Charis Marwick 

Performance Manager: Sarah Kennedy

Administrator: tay.tascportfolio@nhs.scot 

Trainee Representatives: Dr Helen Callaby and Dr Clark Russell

The NRS Infectious Diseases team were joined by Helen Callaby and Clark Russell as trainee representatives in 2023, aiming to make NRS ID activities more accessible to Scottish trainees interested in academic aspects of infection medicine. Helen and Clark will also represent Scottish trainees on a UK-wide trainee representative group which feeds into the NIHR Clinical Research Network.

Working with Charis Marwick and Sarah Kennedy, the team organised an in-person meeting for Scottish trainees interested in finding out more about academic opportunities in Scotland. This included talks from clinical academics supported by NRS discussing their career paths, talks showcasing ongoing research within Scotland, and talks covering practical aspects of conducting research. The group collected detailed feedback from participants, focussing on perceived barriers to research engagement, and will use this information to shape future initiatives for trainees.