UKHSA Welcomes New Chief Medical Advisor and Chief Scientific Officer to Strengthen Public Health Leadership

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced the appointment of Dr Gail Carson as its new Chief Medical Advisor, a role she will assume in January 2027. Dr Carson boasts an impressive background that includes significant contributions to the World Health Organization (WHO) on various disease outbreaks such as Ebola, Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever, H1N1, SARS, and H5N1.

Extensive Experience in Public Health

Currently serving as the Director of Network Development for the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium (ISARIC) at the University of Oxford, Dr Carson played a pivotal role in establishing this network in 2011. ISARIC functions as a global alliance of investigator-led clinical research networks operating in over 130 countries. The consortium aims to leverage clinical research to enhance patient care and inform policy during public health emergencies.

Dr Carson has also held the position of Chair for the Global Outbreak Alert & Response Network (GOARN), a collaborative initiative by the WHO designed to coordinate international responses to infectious disease outbreaks.

Vision for the Future

Expressing her enthusiasm about her new role, Dr Carson stated, “I am delighted to be joining the UK Health Security Agency. Throughout my time in outbreak preparedness and response, I have seen the enormous value of the expertise held across this Agency. Together, we will continue to strengthen our capabilities, adapt to new challenges, and ensure that we are ready for whatever comes next.” She emphasised her eagerness to collaborate with colleagues both in the UK and on a global scale as they work towards evolving and preparing for future public health challenges.

In addition to Dr Carson’s appointment, UKHSA has confirmed the permanent position of Professor Robin May as its Chief Scientific Officer. Professor May has been serving as the interim CSO since September 2025 and has previously held the role of Chief Scientific Advisor at the Food Standards Agency (FSA). His academic credentials include a professorship in Infectious Disease at the University of Birmingham, where his research spans microbiology, infection, and the development of evidence-based policy through scientific risk assessment.

Commitment to Public Health

Reflecting on his experiences over the past year, Professor May remarked, “During the last 12 months, I’ve seen first-hand the critical work UKHSA does to protect the public from health threats. It has been a privilege working with talented experts across UKHSA, and I’m looking forward to building on this strong foundation. This is a time of great challenge, but also great opportunity, within public health, and I am looking forward to doing my part to help ensure UKHSA is ready to face whatever challenges the future may hold.”

Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Executive of UKHSA, expressed her excitement about these appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Dr Gail Carson as our new Chief Medical Advisor and to confirm Professor Robin May’s permanent appointment as Chief Scientific Officer. Between them, they bring a wealth of clinical and scientific expertise, from frontline outbreak response to cutting-edge infectious disease research, that spans decades and reaches right across the globe. Their knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we continue to deliver on UKHSA’s mission to protect the public from health threats, and I look forward to working with them both.”