Public health & patterns of disease

Before policies can be put in place to tackle the burden of disease in any country, it is necessary to gather information on the distribution of each disease, and to try to understand its causes. Oxford researchers have worked with partners in countries overseas to conduct such epidemiological studies of both infectious and non-infectious diseases. They have been particularly effective in initiating international networks that share data: using advanced computer analysis, these data pools have the potential to provide answers where smaller studies might fail. These networks have also worked hard to establish ethical standards that enable scientists in many different countries to work together in an atmosphere of mutual trust.