Co-Directors to lead National Scottish Pandemic Sciences Partnership appointed - News

Public Health Scotland (PHS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Deborah Williamson and Professor Emma Thomson as Co-Directors of the National Scottish Pandemic Sciences Partnership (NSPSP). Hosted by PHS and funded by the Scottish Government, the Partnership officially launches under their leadership today.

Both professors bring a wealth of expertise in infectious diseases, microbiology, virology, and public health. Their joint appointment marks a significant milestone in Scotland’s commitment to remaining at the global forefront of pandemic preparedness and response.

Professor Deborah Williamson is Dean of Medicine at the University of St Andrews. She has held strategic leadership roles in academia and public health agencies across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. She is a clinician-scientist with a global network of collaborators and over 300 journal publications. Her work has attracted significant research funding and has been recognised with awards such as the L'Oreal-UNESCO Women in Science Fellowship.

Professor Emma Thomson is Director of the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) and an Infectious Diseases doctor at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. An internationally recognised expert in emerging infectious diseases, Professor Thomson played both key public health and research roles throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as carrying out research on several emerging viruses including Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus, Ebola, Le Dantec virus, measles, hepatitis C and AAV2. She led the team of CVR researchers who discovered the association of AAV2 with acute severe hepatitis of unknown origin affecting children around the world in 2022.

The NSPSP has been established following recommendations from the Standing Committee on Pandemic Preparedness to strengthen Scotland’s ability to respond to future pandemics through coordinated scientific leadership, robust governance, and strategic collaboration.

The Partnership will foster closer ties between the Scottish Government, Public Health Scotland, and the academic research community, ensuring that policy is informed by cutting-edge science and that Scotland is equipped with the infrastructure and expertise to respond rapidly and effectively to emerging threats.

Professor Deborah Williamson, Dean of Medicine at the University of St Andrews, said:

“I am delighted to take up the role of Co-Director of the National Scottish Pandemic Sciences Partnership alongside Professor Emma Thomson. Scotland’s world-class academic expertise, combined with its distinct geography and rurality, offers a unique lens on pandemic preparedness. By working closely with the Scottish Government, Public Health Scotland, the research community, and industry partners, we hope to deliver innovative solutions that strengthen national resilience, reduce health inequalities, and ensure Scotland’s leadership in global pandemic science.”

Professor Emma Thomson, Director of the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), said:

“The National Scottish Pandemic Sciences Partnership will play a key role in ensuring Scotland’s future pandemic preparedness, and I am delighted to take up position as Co-Director alongside Professor Deborah Williamson. Working together, in collaboration with scientists and experts across the country and beyond, our aim is to ensure that Scotland

remains at the forefront of global pandemic research response, informing policy focused on essential infrastructure, expertise and innovation.”

Paul Johnston, Chief Executive of PHS said:

“These are outstanding appointments. Both professors bring extensive expertise and leadership skills to this important new partnership. They will guide the NSPSP in delivering a clear and ambitious strategy to ensure Scotland remains a global leader in pandemic preparedness and response.

The NSPSP will be a vital part of Scotland’s future resilience - bringing together cutting-edge science, data excellence, and co-ordinated action. Both professors bring a strong commitment to tackling health inequalities. This is essential as part of our preparation for future pandemics.

By learning from the COVID-19 experience, the NSPSP will strengthen the connection between science and policy and build a network of experts ready to respond to emerging health threats.”

Health Secretary Neil Gray said:

“I welcome these appointments and I’m very pleased that Scottish Government investment of £950,000 will support our Programme for Government commitment to build on the vital co-operation which helped us respond to COVID-19 and provide a solid foundation for our future pandemic preparedness.

“We will work closely with this new partnership and a range of stakeholders to maintain and improve our response to new threats.”

Find out more about the National Scottish Pandemic Sciences Partnership (NSPSP)