The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is responsible for protecting every member of every community from the impact of infectious diseases, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents and other health threats.

We provide intellectual, scientific and operational leadership at national and local level, as well as on the global stage, to make the nation’s health secure.

UKHSA is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.

As we protect the population, improve health and address inequalities, research and development (R&D) are core activities.

Research and the translation of research findings into innovations actively informs and supports the delivery and transformation of public health policies, practices and services locally, nationally and internationally. This is particularly critical when preparing for, preventing and responding to public health emergencies.

We work in partnership with university-based researchers nationally and internationally, research funders, the NHS, local authorities, the third sector and the public. Most of UKHSA's scientific programme is distinct from, but complementary to, the work of partner organisations; it is recognisable as a unique national asset because of the very specialist, secure facilities, other resources and skills we deploy.