Research Areas
Malaria
Malaria has historically been an important research focus at MORU and is the result of close collaboration between several MORU departments. The programme includes a dedicated malaria research laboratory and a laboratory for molecular malariology. Clinical studies are conducted across a wide network of trial sites in Asia and Africa.
Malaria research focuses on elimination strategies; the genetics, biology and epidemiology of drug resistance; treatment of multidrug-resistant and severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria; and radical treatment of Plasmodium vivax malaria. It also includes developing a controlled human infection model to support research on P. vivax pathogenesis and treatment evaluation.
Mother and child health
Research in the MORU Network on mother and child health aims to reduce infectious mortality and morbidity through community and hospital-based initiatives. It focuses on improving maternal and neonatal survival, addressing infections linked to malnutrition, unsafe sex, and poor water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions.
MORU’s mother and child health research addresses preconceptual health, infection prevention, and early growth and development. It focuses on reducing neonatal mortality through medical and social interventions, and promotes locally appropriate tools to improve maternal and child care in low-resource settings during the crucial first 1,000 days of life.
Microbiology & non-malaria infections
The MORU Tropical Health Network’s microbiology and non-malaria research focuses on melioidosis, scrub typhus and other rickettsial infections; antimicrobial resistance; leptospirosis; the epidemiology of infectious diseases; sepsis and severe sepsis; the evaluation of diagnostic tests; and the immunology and cell biology of infectious diseases.
We conduct research into the clinical and laboratory aspects of bacterial and viral illnesses, and aim to be a leader in developing a prospective antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance system for low- and middle-income countries, as well as a global leader in melioidosis and rickettsioses. We engage with policy-makers, healthcare providers and the public, seeking to influence policy changes to improve surveillance, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of these diseases.
Critical illness
Improving the management of critical illness in resource-limited settings can save many lives. As intensive care units (ICUs) become increasingly available across Asia, and in the context of the Wellcome Trust Innovations Flagship Programme, we have recently established a large ICU network in nine Asian countries.
MORU’s critical care research focuses on ICU data registries, quality of care assessment, and multicentre trials on infection prevention, ventilation, and sepsis. It includes adapting high-income country guidelines to low-resource settings, and piloting affordable monitoring and imaging technologies in partnership with the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU).
Medicine quality
© MORU 2019. Photographer: Gerhard Jørén.
Substandard and falsified (SF) medical products undermine progress in diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Despite their impact, research in this area remains limited. MORU is expanding its innovative, multidisciplinary work to address key evidence gaps and support policies and interventions that safeguard the quality of medical products.
Our research addresses the epidemiology, detection and impact of substandard and falsified medicines. We evaluate screening and forensic tools, support global surveillance, and engage with policy-makers. We curate global data and host events to strengthen medicine quality research, including the 2018 Medicine Quality and Public Health Conference.
Statistics, data & modelling
MORU applies mathematical, epidemiological, economic and statistical models to study tropical disease transmission and control in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Through active policy engagement, we identify priority research questions, implement data-driven solutions, and evaluate their real-world impact and effectiveness in collaboration with governments, stakeholders and communities.
We build modelling and data analysis capacity across Southeast Asia, supporting health innovation and implementation. Our statisticians design studies, analyse data, and train researchers. Working across disciplines, we address regional health challenges, from malaria to drug resistance, and advise on study design, statistical methods and ethical, clinical, and cost implications.
Bioethics & Engagement
The Department of Bioethics & Engagement conducts ethics research on involving underserved groups in medical studies and explores how to engage communities meaningfully. Our goal is to ensure research is ethical, trustworthy and impactful, ultimately improving health outcomes in resource-poor settings through inclusive and respectful engagement.
We conduct research on ethics, community engagement and data sharing in health research. Our work addresses ethical inclusion of vulnerable groups, evaluates engagement methods, and explores responsible data sharing. We support community involvement, assess engagement outcomes, and study the infrastructure, equity and experiences shaping data sharing across income settings.