Running Mad Professor

01/04/2026

31/03/2026

Did you know that at The Pandemic Institute, we offer responsive funding to tackle emerging infections and future pandemic threats, from rapid-response projects to international collaborations.

If you want to stay ahead of new funding calls, research opportunities, and partnerships, sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates: https://www.thepandemicinstitute.org/collaborate/funding/

The Pandemic Institute has a range of funding calls available, please sign up to our mailing list to be kept up to date on upcoming ones. You can find details of our previously funded projects below. Current funding calls: Rapid Response Fund: The Pandemic Institute (TPI) Rapid Response Fund is supp...

30/03/2026

A huge congratulations to Dr Ava Easton on her MBE - so richly deserved.

Reading her reflection on this journey is a powerful reminder that this honour represents far more than an individual achievement. It reflects decades of unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those affected by encephalitis, and to building a global community united by research, care, and advocacy.

It was a privilege to be part of the celebrations - bringing together patients, families, clinicians, researchers and supporters, all connected by a shared purpose.

Congratulations, Ava - this recognition is not only well earned, but deeply meaningful to so many.

From Honour to Celebration 💙

Our CEO, Dr Ava Easton MBE, shares her deeply personal journey of receiving an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List—and the incredible community behind it.

“This recognition was never about me alone—it belonged to the entire encephalitis community.”

From the historic halls of Windsor Castle to a room filled with survivors, families, clinicians, researchers and supporters, this moment reflects 26 years of dedication to improving the lives of those affected by encephalitis.

But this isn’t the end of the journey—it’s a renewed call to action.

There is still so much to do… and we cannot do it without you.

Read Ava’s full story 👇
https://www.encephalitis.info/news/from-honour-to-celebration-my-mbe-journey/

27/03/2026

I’m pleased to share that the National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) Network has officially launched - a major step forward in strengthening the UK’s health protection research infrastructure.

Since their inception in 2014, the Health Protection Research Units have been driving vital research to protect the nation against the full range of public health threats.

Backed by £5.3M in funding (2026–2030), the Network brings together all 13 NIHR Health Protection Research Units and 2 NIHR Health Protection Research Focus Awards into a coordinated national platform.

This new network will improve our ability to be efficient and collaborative, aligning us with government priorities and providing ministers with crucial, reliable information when they need it.

We are pleased to be awarded funding to lead on several of the key functions within the new HPRU Network, and look forward to working ever closer with our partners to deliver this important work.

Read more about it here - https://hpruezi.nihr.ac.uk/news/hpru-network/

26/03/2026

Clinical trials play a vital role in advancing research and improving future care, but we know they can also raise lots of questions.

💭 What do clinical trials mean to you?
💭 Have you ever taken part in one?
💭 Would you consider it? Why or why not?
💭 What would you like to ask researchers about clinical trials?

We are inviting you to share your experiences and questions so we can shape an upcoming FAQ session with researchers.

If you have been involved in a trial, or have questions about them, we would really love to hear from you.

👇 Comment below or get in touch directly:
📧 emmac@encephalitis.info

🔎 You can also explore trials currently recruiting here: www.encephalitis.info/research/research-currently-recruiting/

Your voice could help shape future research and support others in making informed decisions 💙

26/03/2026

How confident are you when faced with a patient with a suspected neurological infection?

The Liverpool Neurological Infectious Diseases Course (NeuroID) has been running since 2007 and continues to sell out each year, bringing together clinicians from across the UK and internationally.

Featuring case presentations and talks by UK and international experts, as well as updates on the latest brain infections research, this great-value CPD course is a must for any clinician (including medical students) with an interest in neurological infections.

📅 17–18 June 2026
📍 University of Liverpool

The early bird rate is only available until 10 April!

Further details and registration: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/neuroidcourse/

We look forward to welcoming you to Liverpool!

Ever struggled with a patient with a brain infection? Then the NeuroID course is for you! The Liverpool Neurological Infectious Diseases Course (NeuroID) is an approved 2-day CPD course aimed at clinicians of all grades (including medical students) working in Adult and Paediatric Neurology, Infectio...

25/03/2026

🦠Tick Bite Prevention Week 🦠 https://www.encephalitis.info/types-of-encephalitis/infectious-encephalitis/tick-borne-encephalitis/

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection that affects the brain and is caused by a virus from the flavivirus family. It is mainly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick, a small parasite that survives by sucking blood from animals – including humans. Ticks commonly live in woodland, grassland and shrub areas. 🕷️🌳

Ticks become infected by feeding on animals such as small rodents, deer, sheep and goats, and can then pass the virus on to humans. People who spend time outdoors in these environments, especially when hiking or camping, may be at higher risk. 🥾

Most cases occur between spring and autumn, with a peak in summer months. The virus is found across parts of Europe and Asia, and cases have been increasing in recent years, with new areas reporting infections. 🌍📈

While infection most commonly happens through tick bites, in rare cases it can also be transmitted by consuming unpasteurised milk from infected animals. 🥛

👉 Read more about the prevention, symptoms and types of tick-borne encephalitis at https://www.encephalitis.info/types-of-encephalitis/infectious-encephalitis/tick-borne-encephalitis/

23/03/2026

AI is rapidly becoming part of everyday healthcare, but innovation must be matched with robust regulation.

The Royal College of Physicians has engaged with the MHRA consultation on the future regulation of AI in healthcare, highlighting the need for clear standards to ensure these technologies are safe, effective and trusted by clinicians and patients alike.

Read more: https://www.rcp.ac.uk/news-and-media/news-and-opinion/rcp-engagement-with-mhra-consultation-on-the-regulation-of-ai-in-healthcare/

As the NHS embarks on a digital transformation under the Government’s 10‑year health plan, the RCP is advocating for a robust regulatory system for AI that supports innovation while protecting patient safety.

20/03/2026

Childhood vaccination has been one of the most effective public health measures in history, yet uptake is declining in parts of the UK.

A House of Lords inquiry is now examining the issue. The evidence submitted draws on collaborative research from the Liverpool City Region, bringing together colleagues from the University of Liverpool, Liverpool City Council and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

This work reflects the strength of partnership across the region to better understand vaccination uptake and help protect children and communities.

Read more: https://news.liverpool.ac.uk/2026/03/19/liverpool-epidemiologist-joins-house-of-lords-inquiry-on-declining-childhood-vaccination-uptake/

18/03/2026

We were delighted to welcome colleagues from our international partner institutions as part of The Pandemic Institute Liverpool–Hong Kong Partnership, a programme focused on tackling emerging infections and pandemic threats.

During their visit, the team leading the saliva testing for emerging pathogens project came together to exchange expertise, inform their ongoing work, shape new research ideas, and strengthen broader collaboration between the UK and Hong Kong.

A huge thank you to everyone involved - we look forward to seeing these exciting projects progress in the months ahead!

For more information on the partnership, visit our website: https://www.thepandemicinstitute.org/news/new-funding-boost-for-the-pandemic-institutes-liverpool-hong-kong-partnership/

17/03/2026

A brilliant initiative from our friends at Knowledge Quarter Liverpool.

The “Life Under the Microscope” competition invites young people to explore the worlds of science, health and creativity through art - inspiring the next generation to think about the discoveries happening all around them.

Wonderful to see it doing so well.

Parents and teachers: please do take a look and encourage pupils to get involved.

Entries are flooding in for our school artwork competition! 🎨

Themed ‘Life Under the Microscope’, the competition invites pupils to create original artwork that explores a range of concepts from the world of health and life sciences innovation, that takes place within our innovation district and across the Liverpool City Region.

Alternatively, entries can consider broader interpretations of the theme, such as the focus and scrutiny that is applied to young people living their lives today ‘under the microscope’.

The initiative is one of our 10-for-10 activities taking place during our 10th Anniversary year, and is supported by dot-art who are also celebrating a milestone year, with 2026 marking their 20th anniversary.

Winning entries will receive a range of prizes to support future personal and school-based creative projects.

All entries must be submitted by 22 May 2026, so there's still plenty of time to get involved.

🖼️ Please feel free to share this opportunity with your networks: https://www.kqliverpool.co.uk/news-updates/life-under-the-microscope

16/03/2026

This is brilliant!

Designed for doctors, trainees, and the wider healthcare workforce, it brings together practical, evidence-based learning to support clinical practice and continuing professional development.

Congratulations to everyone involved in developing and launching these two modules.