Adam Craig

My research has strengthened infectious disease surveillance and health system preparedness across the Asia-Pacific, particularly in resource-constrained Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). Through sustained partnerships with governments, WHO and regional networks, I have helped bridge the gap between global health security frameworks and frontline public health capacity.

A major contribution has been the design and evaluation of the Pacific Syndromic Surveillance System (PSSS), now relied upon by 22 PICTs and recognised as the world’s most geographically extensive early warning surveillance platform. My work provided the first independent validation of the system and informed improvements to surveillance protocols, reporting pathways, and outbreak-detection capacity across the region. The PSSS has played a critical role in responses to COVID-19, dengue outbreaks, natural disasters, and mass gatherings, while supporting countries in meeting their obligations under the International Health Regulations.

My research has also influenced regional and global policy. Contributions to WHO’s Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases (APSED) have shaped outbreak surveillance approaches across 38 countries, informing preparedness and emergency responses following major events including the Tonga volcanic eruption, flooding in the Philippines and the Nepal earthquake. Early modelling of COVID-19 importation risk provided evidence that informed Pacific border control decisions during the pandemic.

More recently, I have led implementation science and health systems research to strengthen post-validation surveillance for lymphatic filariasis and other neglected tropical diseases. This work has advanced integrated surveillance approaches that are operationally feasible for small island health systems and has directly supported regional policy engagement and country planning.

My work is characterised by strong collaboration and translation into practice. Of my 80+ Q1 publications, around 70% involve international collaborators and 30% include government partners. One-third rank in the top 25% most cited, reflecting both academic quality and policy relevance.