Running Mad Professor

07/08/2026

We have the means to prevent measles - and vaccination works. The MMR vaccine has saved millions of lives in the UK and across the world.

But measles is exceptionally contagious. When routine immunisation rates fall below the level needed for herd immunity, the virus quickly exploits those gaps, making outbreaks not just possible, but predictable.

Please share this important public health message from UKHSA to help raise awareness and encourage people to check they're up to date with their MMR vaccinations.

06/08/2026

Brilliant to see opportunities like this for early career clinical researchers.

Well worth a look if you're at this stage of your career, or know someone who is.

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/liverpool-interdisciplinary-neuroscience-centre/news/stories/title,1564523,en.php

05/08/2026

Important new research published in The Lancet Neurology adds to the evidence that meaningful recovery remains possible for some patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis, even after prolonged unconsciousness.

The findings reinforce the importance of ongoing treatment, rehabilitation and long-term follow-up, while providing valuable data to inform conversations with patients and their families.

Read more in the post below.

🧠✨ Hope, backed by research: recovery is possible even after prolonged unconsciousness.
A new study in Lancet Neurology brings real hope to families facing anti-NMDAR encephalitis, a rare condition where the body's own antibodies attack brain receptors, most often affecting children and young adults.

📊 Researchers followed 45 patients across 11 countries who had been unconscious for 9+ months. The results are promising:
✅ 2 in 3 went on to achieve significant recovery
✅ 1 in 3 made a full recovery – returning to school, work, and the activities they loved

💡 The key message: prolonged unconsciousness does not mean permanent brain damage. This study is a powerful reminder to keep hope alive and keep fighting for treatment, even when the road feels long.

❤️ For families in the hardest moments of this rare condition – this is proof that recovery can happen, sometimes against all odds.

🔗 Read the full study: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422(26)00030-X/abstract

👉 Learn more about anti-NMDAR encephalitis: https://www.encephalitis.info/types-of-encephalitis/autoimmune-encephalitis/nmdar-antibody-encephalitis/

04/08/2026

Fellows, it's time to recognise a deserving peer.

Know a colleague who has gone above and beyond? Propose them for RCP Fellowship before 24 August and help celebrate excellence across our profession.

👉 https://ow.ly/jxiW50ZuIc7

30/07/2026

It was super to connect with the Medtechtomarket Ltd team last week.

We're working on a really exciting project that could change the landscape for diagnosis of brain infections.

Fabulous that Michael Griffiths of University of Sydney was over in the UK to discuss the work with us.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/medtechtomarket-ltd_it-was-great-to-have-prof-mike-griffiths-activity-7486107411884425216-gtRM

It was great to have Prof. Mike Griffiths (University of Liverpool & University of Sydney) in for the first batch release of the TRIM project, co-led by Tom Solomon CBE FRCP FMedSci (University of Liverpool and Director of The Pandemic Institute) This is an important milestone in our development of....

29/07/2026

Malaria is a serious illness spread by mosquitoes – and you can catch it from a single bite.🦟

Malaria is common in many tropical parts of the world, so it's worth visiting TravelHealthPro to check country‑specific advice before you go: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/

28/07/2026

Delighted to see the Royal College of Physicians shortlisted for a 2026 Memcom Excellence Award in the Best Lobbying Campaign category for its Next Generation campaign.

This shortlisting is a welcome recognition of the work being done to bring the voices of resident doctors to the forefront of conversations about the future of medical training.

Congratulations to everyone involved and, most importantly, thank you to all the resident doctors and RCP members who have shared their experiences and helped shape this work.

🎉 We're delighted that the RCP's next generation campaign has been shortlisted for a 2026 Memcom Excellence Award.

The campaign was built on the experiences of resident doctors across the UK and has helped bring the future of medical training to the forefront of national debate.

As RCP president Professor Mumtaz Patel said:

‘This recognition reflects the power of listening to and working with our members.’
Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and helped make this possible.

Read more 👉 https://ow.ly/fS8m50ZsevV

27/07/2026

An important milestone for research into one of the world's priority emerging infectious diseases.

Clinical trials like UMIT-2 are essential for building the evidence needed to improve patient outcomes, while strengthening international research partnerships and preparedness for future infectious disease threats.

Congratulations to everyone involved. Read more in the post below.

In a major milestone in the global fight against Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), the first participant has now been randomised in the UMIT-2 clinical trial at Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Türkiye.

The UMIT-2 trial, sponsored by LSTM and funded by the UK Medical Research Council, is the first multi-country, multi-site therapeutic clinical trial for CCHF.

Despite being recognised as a priority pathogen, there are currently no licensed antiviral therapies proven to improve outcomes for patients. This study marks an important advancement in CCHF research, bringing together partners across Türkiye, Iraq and the UK to evaluate urgently needed antiviral treatments for this high-priority emerging disease.

Find out more: https://lstm.ac/UMIT2-trial-news

24/07/2026

Can anyone in my network help?

Encephalitis International is looking to hear from people in Germany or Switzerland who have personal experience of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), either through their own diagnosis or by supporting a loved one.

If you, or someone you know, might be willing to share your story, please get in touch with the team on the details below.

# TBE

📣 Have you been affected by tick-borne encephalitis?

We are looking to hear from people in Germany or Switzerland who have personal experience of TBE - whether that's your own diagnosis or supporting a loved one through it.

We are working on an awareness-raising project and would love to feature your story in a short case study film, helping others understand what TBE really means for those who live it.

If you would be open to sharing your experience, we would love to hear from you 💙

📧 Get in touch: [email protected]

23/07/2026

⏰ Just over a week left to apply for these three fully funded PhD opportunities in emerging pathogen research.

If you know a talented researcher who could be interested, please share this opportunity with them! 👇

Applications close at 5pm BST on 31 July 2026.

As part of The Pandemic Institute Dstl HPRU PhD cohort, we are pleased to announce three funded PhD opportunities focused on combating next-generation biological threats. Together, these initiatives accelerate the testing of medical countermeasures and build sustained antiviral resilience. Located i...