The National Collection of Type Cultures: where 100-year-old samples help solve today’s problems

Scientist using a blow torch to seal an ampule with a bacterial sample inside Within the UK Health Security Agency lies a scientific treasure trove, known as the Culture Collections. Its 4 repositories house thousands of meticulously preserved microorganisms, with some specimens dating back to World War 1 and the late 19th Century. At their heart is … Read more

Changes to health protection notification regulations

From 6 April 2025, we’re expanding the list of pathogens that Registered Medical Professionals and laboratories in England must notify us about. The changes will strengthen local and national surveillance and support a prompt response to outbreaks of infectious diseases. In this blog post, we will provide more information on the changes and important links. … Read more