The UK Health Security Agency has announced two significant additions to its Executive Committee, reinforcing its leadership as it prepares for future public health challenges.
UKHSA has named Dr Gail Carson as its new Chief Medical Advisor, with the experienced outbreak preparedness and response specialist set to take up the role in January 2027.
Dr Carson brings a wealth of international expertise to the position, having worked with the World Health Organization (WHO) on a range of major infectious disease threats, including Ebola, Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever, H1N1 influenza, SARS and H5N1.
She currently serves as Director of Network Development for the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium (ISARIC) at the University of Oxford, an organisation she helped establish in 2011. ISARIC now operates across more than 130 countries, enabling clinical research to support patient care and inform policy decisions during public health emergencies.
In addition to her work with ISARIC, Dr Carson previously chaired the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), a WHO-led partnership focused on tackling international health threats.
Commenting on her appointment, Dr Carson said:
“I am delighted to be joining the UK Health Security Agency. Throughout my time in outbreak preparedness and response I have seen the enormous value of the expertise held across this Agency. Together, we will continue to strengthen our capabilities, adapt to new challenges, and ensure that we are ready for whatever comes next.
“I look forward to working with colleagues across the UK and globally as we continue to evolve, learn and prepare together.”
Alongside the appointment of Dr Carson, UKHSA has confirmed the permanent appointment of Professor Robin May as Chief Scientific Officer.
Professor May has served as interim CSO since September 2025 and brings extensive scientific and policy experience to the role. He is also Professor of Infectious Disease at the University of Birmingham and previously held the position of Chief Scientific Adviser at the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
His expertise spans microbiology, infectious diseases, scientific risk assessment and evidence-based policymaking, making him well placed to support UKHSA's mission of protecting public health.
Reflecting on his appointment, Professor Robin May said:
“During the last 12 months I’ve seen first-hand the critical work UKHSA does to protect the public from health threats. It has been a privilege working with talented experts across UKHSA and I’m looking forward to building on this strong foundation. This is a time of great challenge, but also great opportunity, within public health and I am looking forward to doing my part to help ensure UKHSA is ready to face whatever challenges the future may hold.”
The appointments of Dr Gail Carson and Professor Robin May come at a crucial time for UKHSA as health systems continue to adapt to emerging infectious diseases, global health threats and changing public health risks. Their combined expertise in outbreak response, clinical research, scientific leadership and policy development is expected to play a vital role in shaping the agency's future preparedness and resilience.
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