We pursue an integrated programme of theoretical and experimental research in the evolution, maintenance and dynamics of pathogen and host population diversity. Our studies on the evolution of pathogen population structure have established a novel pipeline for developing a universal influenza vaccine; this technology has been licensed by Blue Water Vaccines Inc. who were set up expressly for this purpose, and have now listed on the New York Stock exchange (NASDAQ:BWV). This work presents a rare example of a mathematical model of the evolutionary dynamics of an infectious disease leading to the experimental identification of a novel vaccine target, and is currently the main focus of our activities. Other projects include modelling the relationship of disease risk with exposure in malaria, modelling the impact of changing farming practices on the spread of diseases in poultry, and understanding the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions on the management of COVID.
