Research Areas

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.

Research in the MORU Network on mother and child health aims to reduce infectious mortality and morbidity through community and hospital-based initiatives. We focus 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. We aim to reduce neonatal mortality through medical and social interventions, and promote locally appropriate tools to improve maternal and child care in low-resource settings during the crucial first 1,000 days of life.

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.

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).

Part of CGHR and IDDO in Oxford and MORU with headquarters in Bangkok, the Medicine Quality Research Group focuses on improving our understanding of the epidemiology and impact of substandard and falsified (SF) medicines and vaccines that are major impediments to equity in access to health care, to inform policy and implementation.

We develop digital tools and collaborate across multiple disciplines to map SF product epidemiology, evaluate screening devices accuracy, and innovate forensic methods through FORESFA and VIE. Using tools like the Globe, Surveyor and DAFODIL, we analyse trade networks and propose solutions to improve medicine quality and patient safety.

Visit the Medicine Quality pages on the CGHR website

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.

MORU has an active community and stakeholder engagement programme, supporting its vision to conduct research that improves the health and wellbeing of people in low-resource settings. We work with underserved groups to ensure our research is ethical, relevant and responsive to community needs, and inclusive.

Through community advisory boards, participatory projects, and interdisciplinary collaborations, we involve communities and partners in addressing complex global health challenges, from antimicrobial resistance to tuberculosis. Our innovative approaches, including arts, co-creation projects, and community conversations, support equitable health outcomes and promote trust in research. We also conduct research on bioethics, data sharing, and best community and public engagement practice in low-resource settings.

Visit the Bioethics and Engagement page

Download our brochure on Zenodo