Founded in 1733, St. George’s University, London (SGUL) is the only UK university dedicated solely to medical and health research, education and training. Research is divided into three broad areas: Molecular and Clinical Sciences, Population Health, and Infection & Immunity. Within the latter there is a substantial focus upon cryptococcal and pneumococcal infections, alongside research into malaria, TB and HIV.

St. George’s AMBITION Team

Prof. Tom Harrison: Co-Chief Investigator

My research group seeks to address the pathophysiology, immunology, management and prevention of cryptococcal meningitis.  I was Chief Investigator for the Phase III ACTA study, and have led related trials in Thailand, Cape Town, Uganda and Malawi which have significantly shaped international treatment guidelines. I am also Deputy Academic Lead for the SGUL Clinical Infection Unit, Deputy Director of the Institute of Infection & Immunity and a clinician at the Clinical Infection Unit at St. George’s Hospital.

I work closely with Joe, with the study management team and with all collaborators to ensure effective trial delivery.

I work closely with Joe, with the study management team and with all collaborators to ensure effective trial delivery.

Dr. Angela Loyse: Co-Investigator

I am an Infectious Diseases Clinician and Researcher (clinical and implementation) in the fields of AIDS and, in particular, (HIV)-related meningo-encephalitis. I am Chief Investigator of the Driving Reduced AIDS-associated Meningo-encephalitis Mortality (DREAMM) Project, funded by the EDCTP and ANRS and backed by Institut Pasteur, which aims to effectively and sustainably reduce HIV-related meningo-encephalitis mortality across three sites in Africa.

I have designed and am leading two sister projects: 1) Development and evaluation of polyvalent diagnostic tests in collaboration with Institut Pasteur and industry; and 2) Optimisation of nanopore technology for the diagnosis of HIV-associated meningo-encephalitis in resource-limited settings. I am also Chair of the Cryptococcal Meningitis Action Group, which aims to improve access to diagnostic tests and essential antifungal medicines for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis in low- and middle-income countries. As a result of this work, I am also Co-Chair for an Advanced AIDS Consortium, championed by WHO and CDC.

I am a lead investigator for the REFINE trial and a WHO Expert Panel Member for the upcoming guidelines on cryptococcal meningitis. I have also played a key role in the recently completed ACTA trial.

Dr. Síle Molloy: Co-Investigator

I am an Epidemiologist and International Project Manager working on Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) treatment trials and implementation projects across 12 sites in sub-Saharan Africa. My main research interests are in improving standard of care for CM patients and I am particularly interested in the design, conduct and analysis of large Phase III clinical trials in resource limited-settings as well as implementation research to improve access to essential medicines and diagnostics.

I am a Co-Investigator on the AMBITION and DREAMM projects, and support the trial management and analysis teams while also helping to lead on training and capacity building activities.