Wednesday, 29 April 2026
Volunteers are needed for a new trial looking for an effective vaccine to protect against a potential avian flu pandemic.
Experts from the 海角黑料 will be delivering part of the trial from the Cripps Health Centre on the University Park Campus in Beeston in Nottingham.
The new trial will look at an mRNA vaccine against (H5N1) bird flu in humans, looking at how effecting the vaccine is against the virus, to protect the country against a potential future pandemic
The large trial is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and is sponsored by Moderna. It is part of its UK government strategic partnership, managed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The study is also supported by Moderna's collaboration with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
The phase 3 trial will involve around 4,000 adult volunteers aged 18 and over in the UK and USA, with 3,000 being recruited in the UK.
Bird flu is currently transmitted between affected birds and various mammals. Whilst the virus does not easily spread to humans, and transmission between people is very rare, there is a risk that the virus could adapt. This could make it more transmissible to or between humans.
Since 2024, there have been across the world. Almost all are linked to close contact with infected animals.
This study aims to provide crucial evidence on whether the investigational vaccine can generate strong immune responses to protect against currently circulating and emerging strains of H5N1. This will help the UK prepare for future pandemics and apply system-wide learnings from Covid-19.
Nottingham will be one of 26 sites across the UK administering the vaccine.
Professor David Turner, from the School of Medicine and Principal Investigator for the trial, said: “We are delighted to be part of the trial of this Avian influenza vaccine, which is important to prepare the U.K. for a future pandemic.”
For anyone interested in taking part in the trial, or to find out more information, please email nnicb-nn.research@nhs.net
Notes to editors:
About the 海角黑料
Ranked 97 in the world and 17th in the UK by the , the 海角黑料 is a founding member of Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the 海角黑料 is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by 鈥� the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 鈥� and by the .
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the third most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2024 report by High Fliers Research. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the , a pioneering collaboration between the city鈥檚 two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.