Background
In 2021, recognising the need for better coordination of pandemic-related research and education, UiO initiated the development of the Centre for Pandemics and One-Health Research.
The centre was formally established within SUSTAINIT, Faculty of Medicine, in late 2022.
Leadership and administration
Gunnveig Grødeland – Leader
The research of Gunnveig Grødeland is centered on vaccine development, and she has previously brought a novel vaccine candidate from design, through preclinical evaluations, and into a Phase I clinical trial. Grødeland is also committed to understanding the population diversity with respect to premises for protection against different pathogens, and also which type of immune responses would offer different parts of the population improved protection from disease. Such knowledge would be key for improved future management of pandemics and new biological threats.
Nils Chr. Stenseth – Deputy Leader
The research of Nils Christian Stenseth focuses on the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases, particularly plague (Yersinia pestis) and COVID-19. For 25 years, his program has explored the spatio-temporal dynamics of pathogens, their wildlife reservoirs, and vectors. By investigating the drivers of disease transmission, his current work seeks to reduce the risk of zoonotic spillover to humans, providing the critical scientific foundation needed to manage future pandemics and emerging biological threats.
Jason D. Whittington – Coordinator
The research of Jason D. Whittington bridges ecology, climate, and One Health to examine how environmental change drives infectious diseases. He has coordinated or worked on several large-scale interdisciplinary projects on historical plague, environmental antimicrobial resistance, and COVID-19. By exploring how climate variability and human-animal interfaces trigger zoonotic outbreaks, his work is vital for anticipating pandemics and preventing local outbreaks from escalating into global crises.
Julie Marie Andersen – Student Representative
Coming from the Department of Media and Communication, Julie Andersen plays a crucial role in making pandemic science and policy accessible to a broader audience. By driving active social media campaigns, hosting interview series, and organizing panel debates on preparedness, Andersen ensures that vital, interdisciplinary discussions on biological threats reach and inspire younger audiences and future policymakers.
Julie Charlotte Trydal – Student Representative
As a student representative at P1H, Julie Trydal bridges academia and the next generation. As a student in the Institute for Clinical Medicine and drawing on her political science background, she drives student engagement and science communication. Trydal promotes awareness of pandemic preparedness by organizing political panel debates, hosting coffee-break interviews, and managing active social media outreach. Her work fosters crucial dialogue, equipping future leaders to effectively understand and tackle global health crises.
The administration organises joint activities for research groups connected with P1H and promotes interdisciplinary interaction both within and between relevant entities at UiO. The student representatives help ensure that P1H activities reflect the student perspective and are visible to students at UiO and the wider public.
The Advisory Board
The Advisory Board facilitates representation and improved synergy across faculties and departments at UiO.
- Dean, Faculty of Medicine: Hanne Flinstad Harbo
- Vice Dean, Faculty of Medicine: Jan Bjaalie
- Dean, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences: Solveig Kristensen
- Vice Dean, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences: Knut Mørken
- Rotating faculty representative – Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences: Anne Julie Semb (1 August 2024 – 31 July 2026)
- Director UiO:Life Science: Carl Henrik Gørbitz
- Head of the Institute of Health and Society: Elin O. Rosvold
- Head of the Sustainable Health Unit: Tony Sandset
Scientific Advisory Group
The Scientific Advisory Group provides scientific guidance for projects connected to P1H and facilitates international cooperation.
Prof. Felicia Keesing, Bard College, USA
Prof. Peter Hudson, Penn State, USA
Prof. Adolfo Garcia-Sastre, Icahn School of Medicine, USA