The challenge 

Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases continue to pose significant challenges to global health, particularly in children. While COVID-19 brought unprecedented attention to pandemic preparedness, other respiratory and vector-borne infections, such as influenza, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), enteroviruses, and Japanese Encephalitis, remain major contributors to paediatric illness and hospitalisation. 

The Infection X Research Platform was established in response to this evolving threat landscape. 

About the Infection X Research Platform 

The Infection X Research Platform is a vital, innovative initiative born from lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic. It addresses the urgent need for a coordinated, timely research response to emerging infectious diseases, with a special focus on children who may face greater risks in future pandemics. 

This platform uniquely collects comprehensive clinical data and biospecimens from hospitalised children. This dual approach enables rapid, detailed characterisation of infections. Identifying clinical features, risk factors, diagnostics, and immune responses critical for developing child-specific interventions.

The platform strengthens early detection, pathogen analysis, and outbreak response. It complements existing programs and accelerates translation of findings into clinical care, vaccines, and public health policy. 

By addressing key questions about paediatric infection risk, severity, transmission, and immunity, it improves patient care, infection control, and prevention, reducing disease burden in children. 

As a ready-to-activate research infrastructure, the platform boosts healthcare systems’ capacity to respond swiftly to new threats. It fosters collaboration among clinicians, researchers, and public health officials, shaping evidence-based policies and supporting targeted therapies and vaccines. 

Infection X projects 

SNIFFLES - Southern Hemisphere Nasal Influenza Flu Vaccine Experience Study 

This study compares the standard flu shot with FluMist, a nasal spray vaccine, to see how well children’s immune systems respond to each. While flu vaccines are effective, we are still learning exactly how they work in the body. 

More on SNIFFLES

Join us in collaborative efforts to advance public health

If you’re interested in collaborating with us to make a real impact on public health, you could get involved in areas such as: 

• National or international health concerns 
• Diseases of public health importance 
• Research studies 
• Hospital audits 
• Pandemics or outbreaks 
• Other public health projects 

Requests can be submitted by any internal or external body, including MCRI research teams, public health units, or government agencies. 

To be considered, please submit a request via the form below.

Expression of Interest (EOI) form

Our steering committee also welcomes enquiries regarding the availability of existing retrospective data or biobank collections, which can help minimise unnecessary duplication of data. 

Key researchers

This project is led by Associate Professor Shidan Tosif, a consultant paediatrician at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) and clinician-scientist fellow at MCRI. 

Funding and collaborations

• SAEFVIC - research at MCRI is the coordinating group and responsible for running the project
• Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response (CEIRR)
• WHO Collaboration Centres (WHOCC)

Contact us 

For support or guidance, please contact us. 

Infection X Study Coordinator 
Email:  show email address
Phone:  show phone number  

Our team is ready to assist and will get back to you promptly.