The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has launched the Multi-Hazard Research Network, led by the Institute of Development Studies, to support outbreak and crisis response from 3 June 2026. The announcement includes up to £5 million for Ebola diagnostics and treatment research.
The network will support decision-makers responding to emerging infectious disease outbreaks and other crises. It is already being used to support the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
The UK government said the network will provide rapid access to evidence, specialist advice and regional expertise during emergencies. The announcement also links the new network to wider UK support for outbreak containment in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Launch of the Multi-Hazard Research Network
The Multi-Hazard Research Network has been launched to strengthen prevention, preparedness and response during outbreaks and other emergencies. Led by the Institute of Development Studies, it brings together UK and international partners with academic, NGO and regional expertise.
The network will focus on emerging infectious diseases with epidemic and pandemic potential, alongside major natural hazards such as extreme weather and climate hazards. It will also connect with UK government science capability, including the Met Office, UK Health Security Agency, Animal and Plant Health Agency and British Geological Survey.
- Lead institution: The Institute of Development Studies will lead the network and coordinate expert input.
- Partner base: The consortium includes UK and international academic and NGO partners with local and regional knowledge.
- Science links: The network will connect with UK scientific bodies supporting forecasting, preparedness and emergency response.
How the Network Supports the Current Ebola Outbreak
The network is already supporting the Ebola response with expert data analysis and social and behavioural science research. Its Rapid Response Unit is providing advice based on previous outbreaks, local context and modelling of how the outbreak could develop.
The government said this support is intended to help decision-makers prepare, analyse risks and respond faster across the region. The work includes evidence to guide decisions during the current outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
UK Funding for Ebola Research and Development
The UK has committed up to £5 million for research and development of new treatments and rapid diagnostics for the Bundibugyo species of Ebolavirus. The funding will also support evidence generation for an informed outbreak response.
Clinical trials will be carried out with national and international partners. The government said this work is separate from existing UK support to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, which is advancing vaccine candidates.
- Diagnostics: Funding will support rapid diagnostic research for the Bundibugyo species of Ebolavirus.
- Treatments: Research and development will focus on new treatment options with partner-led clinical trials.
- Evidence: Social and behavioural science research will support outbreak response decisions.
Funding Commitments
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Research and development | Up to £5 million committed | Funding supports diagnostics, treatments and evidence for the Bundibugyo species of Ebolavirus. |
| Clinical trials | Planned with partners | Trials will be carried out with national and international partners named by the UK government. |
| Vaccine support | Existing support continues | The UK said this is in addition to support for CEPI vaccine candidate work. |
Wider UK Support for Regional Ebola Containment
The announcement follows last month’s allocation of up to £21 million in UK funding to contain the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. That support is intended to help the World Health Organisation and international partners respond rapidly.
The funding package includes support for disease surveillance, frontline health workers, infection prevention and control, safe and dignified burials, and access to care for affected communities. The UK also said the Foreign Secretary raised the need for urgent support during discussions with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Regional Response Support Areas
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Containment funding | Up to £21 million allocated | The UK said the funding supports outbreak containment in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. |
| Health response | Support for frontline activity | The package includes surveillance, health worker support, infection control and access to care. |
| International partners | WHO and Red Cross support referenced | The government named the World Health Organisation and Red Cross and Red Crescent movement among partners. |
International Coordination and Regional Support
The UK said its outbreak response activities are being coordinated with governments, health authorities and international organisations operating in affected regions. The announcement highlights cooperation with authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda alongside support for African-led response efforts.
Officials also referenced discussions with international partners aimed at strengthening outbreak containment, surveillance and access to healthcare services in affected communities.
Ministerial Comments
Yvette Cooper, UK Foreign Secretary said;
“The UK is a science superpower – home to world leading researchers, scientists and institutions. We’re harnessing that expertise, bringing together expert research, vital skills and regional knowledge to improve how the world responds to this outbreak and better prepares for others in the future.”
“We know that early action is vital to save lives. Deadly diseases like Ebola do not stop at borders, so we must work to stop these outbreaks at source.”
Jenny Chapman, Minister for Africa and International Development said;
“I’ve recently returned from Kinshasa and the wider region, meeting and hearing from our partners on the ground, and the Government of DRC. They are operating in incredibly difficult circumstances.”
“The situation is deeply concerning. It demands urgent, coordinated action, in support of the African-led response. We are working with partners across the region and beyond to drive a faster, more effective response. Acting now is the best way to save lives and prevent further spread.”
The UK launch of the Multi-Hazard Research Network brings together expert advice, regional knowledge and scientific capability for outbreak and crisis response. Its early work on Ebola, combined with new research funding and wider containment support, places the announcement within the UK’s current assistance for Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and international partners responding to the outbreak.
Sources: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP and The Rt Hon Baroness Chapman of Darlington.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
