Cat is a microbiologist by training with over 20 years of experience working on an extensive range of multidisciplinary and bespoke projects within biosafety, biosecurity, and health security sectors. She has worked for the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), World Health Organization (WHO), and currently for the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST). Cat has delivered rapid advice on personal protective equipment (PPE) as part of the UK government response to Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC), including Influenza, Ebola and COVID-19. She has also been responsible for the development of several guidance articles, including the WHO’s Laboratory Biosafety Manual (4th Edition, LBM4), and the UK’s risk assessment algorithm for the Management of Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers and other Diseases of High Consequence guidance for the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP). Cat is best known for her work on the effectiveness of PPE and decontamination systems including the development of a novel simulated vomiting system (Vomiting Larry) Cat is currently working with various partners including an evidence review of high-risk procedures and through the air transmissible (TTAT) pathogens; a case study on gender equity and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) implementation; and a gap analysis and research prioritisation exercise for IPC in Public Health Emergencies (PHE).

Anthony is an infection preventionist from Toronto, Canada, with 18 years’ experience in infection prevention and control (IPC). Presently, Anthony is serving as the Senior IPC Specialist for the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team, but has worked in acute care and global health, including the World Health Organization’s Global IPC Hub & Task Force unit in Geneva. His experience spans emergency response, IPC programme implementation, guideline development, healthcare-associated infection surveillance, development of training materials & curricula, global surveys, and IPC monitoring & evaluation tools, with a strong emphasis on implementation in low- and middle-income countries.