Committee for Assessing Potentially Harmful Microorganisms
**Expert Committee Provides Independent Advice on Pathogen Risks in the UK**
In the realm of public health and biological safety, the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) plays a pivotal role. This expert committee, which falls under the Department of Health and Social Care, offers independent scientific advice on various aspects of hazards and risks to workers and others from exposure to pathogens.
The ACDP, established in 2013, comprises a diverse group of professionals hailing from academia, healthcare, government agencies, and industry. Members include Dr Amy Beckett from the Isle of Man Government, Professor Dan Tucker from the University of Cambridge, and Dr Gee Yen Shin from UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, among others. The committee is chaired by Professor Thomas Evans from the University of Glasgow.
The ACDP's primary focus is on providing practical, scientifically based advice on the assessment and management of risks from Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) in various settings. However, in response to specific situations, such as the Ebola outbreak in 2015, an Ebola working subgroup was formed to offer advice on the management of risks from Ebola, both within and outside the UK. This subgroup was led by experts like Professor Neil Ferguson from Imperial College London and Dr Jake Dunning from the Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust.
The ACDP's terms of reference extend beyond TSEs and Ebola. They are to provide independent scientific advice on all aspects of hazards and risks to workers and others from exposure to pathogens. This includes providing guidance on laboratory practices, public health measures during outbreaks, and strategies for preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
The committee's work is guided by a set of terms of reference that consider food safety, public and animal health issues, and account for present scientific uncertainty. The ACDP's advice is updated in line with current scientific advances to remain relevant. Minutes, papers, and agendas for the subgroup can be downloaded, and updates on the committee's membership interests can be found on the ACDP register, which is updated in April 2025.
The ACDP works closely with other regulatory and advisory bodies to ensure consistency in policies and practices across different sectors. Subgroups or working groups within the ACDP might focus on specific areas like clinical practice guidelines, laboratory safety, or public health response.
In 2019, the TSE subgroup was disbanded, and its work was incorporated into the main ACDP as a permanent agenda item. The Ebola working subgroup, however, continues to operate, handling issues as referred, taking into account the work of other relevant bodies.
For those interested in learning more about the ACDP, its news and publications can be found on the group's website, along with minutes, subgroups, and annual reports. The secretariat for both the TSE and Ebola subgroups can be contacted via email at [email protected] website. The ACDP's dedication to providing expert advice on pathogen risks ensures a safer and healthier UK for all.
The ACDP, in addition to its focus on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) and Ebola, also offers independent scientific advice on medical-conditions and health-and-wellness matters, considering issues like laboratory practices, public health measures during outbreaks, and strategies for preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Individuals who require further information on the ACDP's work can access updates, publications, and news on their official website.
