HPA and the Interlab Forum

The Interlab Forum was established in 2006 as the vehicle through which six key public sector research establishments could develop and enhance the nation's capability in emergency response and disease control through sharing knowledge. They are:

• Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)
• Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera)
• Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) 
• Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) 
• Veterinary Laboratories Agency 
• Health Protection Agency (HPA)

The laboratories share a common objective of providing science and technology-based research and advice to policy makers in Government, to other public and private sector organisations and in some cases direct to the public. Between them they can bring to bear the expertise of over 9,000 scientists, technologists and engineers, many with international reputations as leaders in their field.

Forum members use their extensive partnering networks to maximise the opportunities that exist for knowledge transfer and exploitation of intellectual property. In all cases they are committed to scientific excellence and ensuring best value in the work they do.

Areas of common interest include:

• Emergency response - covering response modes to emergency situations, capabilities and surge capacity. 
• Modelling and simulation - of disease control, climatic change and resource management. 
• Detection, decontamination and remediation - of hazardous materials, dangerous pathogens and ionising radiation. 
• Animal health research facilities and telemetry.

Examples of high profile collaborative projects have included:

• The 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic: HPA led the UK response to the pandemic supported on the veterinary side by VLA. Emergency response support was provided by Cefas and Dstl.
• Highly pathogenic avian flu outbreak in a Suffolk turkey farm in February 2007. VLA led on the emergency response with back-up investigation and high containment facilities provided by Fera and the HPA.
• Exposure/contamination of polonium 210 following the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko in November 2006. HPA led on the health implications of the poisoning, with an emergency testing capacity provided by Cefas and VLA.
• The Buncefield fire in 2005.  HPA and HSL provided large scale sampling of air quality, which confirmed minimal risk to public health and surrounding communities and Dstl provided gas modelling.

For further information on the Interlab Forum contact

Dr Phil Luton
Business Development and Communications
Telephone: 01980 612725
E-mail: phil.luton@hpa.org.uk

Last reviewed: 22 November 2010