It is focused on pathogens, conducting Pathogen Biology to understand the biology of pathogens and their infections in the broad areas of Parasites, Viruses, Bacteria. 

This allows for growth within and between the broad areas and for expansion within an area. There was initially a major focus on malaria (parasites) with the development of research in HIV and arboviruses (Viruses) and recently into antimicrobial resistance and shigella (bacteria). This structure allows disease focus areas to collaborate, for pathogen, host and vector areas to cross-fertilise each other instead of being viewed as distinct areas of work. It enhances technology transfer between disease areas and subject topic overlaps, e.g. immunology, proteomics, drug resistance etc. Individuals within the broad areas are encouraged to discuss within their areas to synergise and agree on areas of growth/ development to encourage dynamic research. However, this is not limited to within the broad areas it should also happen across areas.

Research studies/projects are initiated by the PIs and research teams and submitted and mobilised through the lab management team through the study guidelines document and the submission of a Lab Analytical plan.