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Dr James Price

Dr James Price (FRCPath PhD FRCP MBBS)

Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Infection
E: j.price@bsms.ac.uk
T: +44 (0) 1273 877889

Areas of expertise: Infection prevention and control, healthcare-associated infection, antimicrobial resistance, whole-genome sequencing, prediction technologies, Staphylococcus aureus

Research areas:

Translation of biotechnologies and modelling to combat healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance
Modernising infection prevention and control for global healthcare
Antimicrobial resistance as an evolving global health threat
Healthcare-associated Staphylococcus aureus: carriage, transmission and invasive disease
Optimising sustainable approaches in infection prevention and control to support decarbonising healthcare

Other relevant positions:

Academic

National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN) Specialty Research Co-Lead Infection, NIHR, UK (2023 to date)
NIHR CRN Urgent Public Health Lead, NIHR, UK (2023 to date)
NIHR Regional Integrated Academic Training Lead for Infection, NIHR, UK (2022 to date)

National Advisor

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) Advisory Group, (2024 to date)
UKHSA Surgical Site Infection Advisory Group, Invited Expert (2023 to date)
NHS England and NHS Improvement Infection Prevention and Control oversight group (2022 to date)
UK Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) hospital onset COVID infection study group (2021-22)
NHS England/Improvement National IPC Oversight group (2021-22)

Professional Societies

UK Department of Health and Social Care Advisory Committee on Clinical Impact Awards sub-committee, (2024 to date)
Healthcare Infection Society Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity Panel advisor (2023 to date)
National Quality Assurance Advisory Panel Medical Microbiology Group (2021 to date)
Healthcare Infection Society Chair of the Professional Development Committee (2021 to date)
Healthcare Infection Society Council Member (2016 to date)

DA: Debbie Miller
E: D.Miller@bsms.ac.uk
T: +44 (0) 1273 877889
Location: Room 2.15, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Medical School Teaching Building, University of Sussex, BN1 9PX

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

Biography

Dr James Price graduated in Medicine from St. George’s Hospital Medical School, London, in 2005. James was awarded a Walport NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship during which he completed his PhD focusing on whole-genome sequencing to inform nosocomial S. aureus infection. In 2014 James was appointed as a NIHR Clinical Lecturer where he continued to develop his research in prevention of healthcare-associated infection and antimicrobial resistance. In 2019, James took up a position as Infection Consultant at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and progressed to Director of Infection Prevention and Control. Alongside this he worked as Honorary Senior Lecturer at the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance at Imperial College London. In 2022, James took up the position of Senior Lecturer at Brighton and Sussex Medical School and Honorary Consultant in Infection at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust where he pursues his interests in (i) translational application of data and novel technologies to inform on infection prevention and antimicrobial resistance and (ii) sustainable approaches to infection prevention and control to support decarbonising healthcare. To date, his publications have received over 5000 citations, and he has won the prestigious Barnett Christie Prize Lecture, the Royal College of Pathologists Research Medal in Microbiology, the ESCMID Young Investigators award, the Healthcare Infection Society Early Career Award and a National Clinical Impact Award. James is Council Member (2016-) of the Healthcare Infection Society and chairs the Professional Development Committee. In addition to being a fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists and the Royal College of Physicians, James is an active member of the National Quality Assurance Advisory Panel for microbiology, the NHS England and Improvement IPC oversight group, and has sat on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) hospital-onset COVID infection subgroup.

Research

James’ overarching research interest focuses on optmising infection prevention and control to reduce healthcare-associated infection and antimicrobial resistance.

James has dedicated his academic career to understanding and mitigating the spread of infectious diseases, especially within healthcare settings. His work encompasses a broad spectrum of pathogens, from common bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus to emerging threats like SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.

His research has explored various aspects of infection prevention and control, including the routes of transmission and the effectiveness of measures to prevent healthcare-associated infections. Notably, he has made significant contributions to guidelines and frameworks for infection control in acute care settings, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is another critical area of his research. He has delved into the genetic mechanisms behind AMR and its implications for patient care. His studies have shed light on the complex dynamics of AMR transmission within healthcare facilities and the community, highlighting the importance of surveillance and intervention strategies.

Genomic sequencing and prediction technologies play a central role in his research, offering insights into the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of infectious agents. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, his pioneered real-time surveillance systems for hospital-onset infections has provided valuable data for infection control efforts.

James’ interdisciplinary approach to research is evident in collaborations with experts from diverse fields, including microbiology, epidemiology, and healthcare management. By bridging gaps between science, policy, and practice, he has striven to develop comprehensive strategies for combating infectious diseases and preserving the efficacy of antimicrobial treatments.

Overall, his work represents a concerted effort to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in infectious disease control, from preventing surgical site infections to managing outbreaks of novel pathogens. Through rigorous scientific inquiry and collaborative partnerships, you're dedicated to improving patient outcomes and safeguarding public health on a global scale.

Key achievements:

Pioneering research challenging current assumptions of MRSA carriage with potential to change future prevention strategies.
Clinically translation research charactersing the impact of whole-genome sequencing and artificial intelligence prediction models to reduce healthcare associated infection and antimicrobial resistance.
Development of novel surveillance systems and prediction tools supporting real-time identification of hospital-onset COVID infections, supporting national surveillance development and incorporation into WHO COVID blueprint.
Collaborations with COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium leading a project evaluating whole-genome sequencing to inform IPC practices to support hospital-onset COVID-19 infections.
Collaborations with virologists and environmental biologists assessing environmental contamination of COVID-19 to inform IPC practices during the pandemic.
Development of international guidelines supporting management of MRSA, multi-drug resistant organisms and COVID.

James’ achievements, expertise and contribution to the field of IPC have been recognised by being awarded multiple competitive national and internationalaccolades.

International

European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Young Investigators Award for Research in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology (2018)
Awarder: European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.
Description: Internationally competitive award in acknowledgement of excellence in research at a top scientific level in the field of infectious diseases and medical microbiology.

National

Healthcare Infection Society Early Career Award (2023)
Awarder: Healthcare Infection Society, the UKs largest IPC society.
Description: Nationally competitive award in recognition of outstanding innovative contributions in the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections.

Royal College of Pathologists Research Medal in Medical Microbiology (2017)
Awarder: Royal College of Pathologists, UK
Description: Nationally competitive award in recognition of outstanding research work in the field of microbiology.

Barnett Christie Prize Lecture (2016)
Awarder: British Infection Association, UK
Description: Nationally competitive award in recognition of excellence in original research in the field of infection.

Regional

Best Teaching in Year 4 Award: Runner-up (2015)
Awarder: Brighton and Sussex Medical School
Description: In recognition of excellence in teaching.

Staff Achievement and Recognition (STAR) Award: Runner-up. (2014)
Awarder: Awarded by Western Sussex Hospital Trust.
Description: In recognition of excellence in quality improvement.

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

Teaching

James is committed to enhancing educational practices in the field of infection prevention and control (IPC). His teaching achievements span national, regional, and university settings, each contributing to the development of knowledgeable and skilled professionals equipped to address the complex challenges of IPC.

Since his appointment to BSMS in 2022, James’ efforts have been directed towards aligning educational initiatives with national frameworks and addressing critical gaps in IPC training. A significant accomplishment has been his leadership role at the Healthcare Infection Society, a national learned society where he spearheaded an alignment of the society’s educational programs with NHS England’s IPC Education Framework. This initiative not only validated the effectiveness of the national educational program he leads but underscored its pivotal role in supporting the delivery of key healthcare strategies, such as the NHS Long Term Plan and the Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan. Furthermore, he led the development of a comprehensive educational program tailored for senior leaders in IPC roles, fostering interdisciplinary learning and networking opportunities. This initiative not only facilitated knowledge exchange but also paved the way for future collaborations, strengthening senior leadership in IPC nationwide. Additionally, his leadership in the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Integrated Academic Training program exemplifies my commitment to nurturing early career researchers and clinicians, ensuring the sustainability of teaching excellence in the field of infection.

At a regional level, James’ initiatives have focused on enhancing the education of post-graduate medical doctors in IPC practices, resulting in significant improvements in pass rates and confidence levels among learners. By adopting innovative teaching methods and collaborating with regional healthcare institutions, he has succeeded in bridging educational gaps and empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals to effectively combat infectious diseases.

Across the university, James has played a multifaceted role in under- and post-graduate teaching, designing engaging curricula and fostering interactive learning environments. Whether leading large-group tutorials or facilitating small-group discussions, his aim has always been to cultivate critical thinking skills and instil a deep understanding of IPC principles among students. Through continuous evaluation and feedback mechanisms, he remains committed to refining teaching methodologies and ensuring the relevance and applicability of educational content.

James is providing a lasting impact on national IPC education programs and university teaching environments. By leveraging his expertise and leadership roles within professional societies and academic institutions, he has contributed to the standardisation of IPC training curricula and the dissemination of best practices to a diverse audience of learners. James remains dedicated to furthering his contributions to education, research, and clinical practice, thereby shaping the future of IPC.

Selected publications

Panca M, Blackstone J, Stirrup O, Cutino-Moguel MT, Thomson E, Peters C, Snell LB, Nebbia G, Holmes A, Chawla A, Machin N, Taha Y, Mahungu T, Saluja T, de Silva TI, Saeed K, Pope C, Shin GY, Williams R, Darby A, Smith DL, Loose M, Robson SC, Laing K, Partridge DG, Price JR, Breuer J. Evaluating the cost implications of integrating SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing for infection prevention and control investigation of nosocomial transmission within hospitals. J Hosp Infect. 2023;139:23-32. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.06.005

Landelle C, Birgand G, Price J, Mutters NT, Morgan DJ, Lucet J-C, Kerneis S, Zingg W. Considerations for de-escalating universal masking in healthcare centers. Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology. 2023;3(1):e128. DOI:10.1017/ash.2023.200

Jauneikaite E, Baker KS, Nunn JG, Midega JT, Hsu LY, Singh SR, Halpin AL, Hopkins KL, Price JR, Srikantiah P, Egyir B, Okeke IN, Holt KE, Peacock SJ, Feasey NA, SEDRIC Genomics Surveillance Working Group. Genomics for antimicrobial resistance surveillance to support infection prevention and control in health-care facilities. Lancet Microbe. 2023;4(12):e1040-1046 DOI: 10.1016/S2666-5247(23)00282-3

Price J. Is precision medicine the future of surgical site infection prevention? Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2022;104(8):559-60. DOI:10.1308/rcsann.2022.0117

Mugglestone MA, Ratnaraja NV, Bak A, Islam J, Wilson JA, Bostock J, Moses SE, Price JR, Weinbren M, Loveday HP, Rivett L, Stoneham SM, Wilson APR. Presymptomatic, asymptomatic and post-symptomatic transmission of SARS-CoV-2: joint British Infection Association, Healthcare Infection Society, Infection Prevention Society and Royal College of Pathologists guidance. BMC Infect Dis. 2022;22(1):453. DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07440-0

Myall A, Price JR, Peach RL, Abbas M, Mookerjee S, Zhu N, Ahmad I, Ming D, Ramzan F, Teixeira D, Graf C, Weisse AY, Harbarth S, Holmes A, Barahona M. Prediction of hospital-onset COVID-19 infections using dynamic networks of patient contact: an international retrospective cohort study. Lancet Digit Health. 2022;4(8):e573-e83. DOI: 10.1016/S2589-7500(22)00093-0

Myall A, Peach RL, Wan Y, Mookerjee S, Jauneikaite E, Bolt F, Price JR, Davies F, Weisse AY, Holmes AH, Barahona M. Improved contact tracing using network analysis and spatial-temporal proximity. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2022;116:S20 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.12.047

Price JR, Yokoyama M, Cole K, Sweetman J, Behar L, Stoneham S, Cantillon D, Waddell SJ, Hyde J, Alam R, Crook D, Paul J, Llewelyn MJ. Undetected carriage explains apparent Staphylococcus aureus acquisition in a non-outbreak healthcare setting. J Infect. 2021;83(3):332-8. DOI:10.1016/j.jinf.2021.07.016

Price JR, Mookerjee S, Dyakova E, Myall A, Leung W, Weisse AY, Shersing Y, Brannigan ET, Galletly T, Muir D, Randell P, Davies F, Bolt F, Barahona M, Otter JA, Holmes AH. Development and Delivery of a Real-time Hospital-onset COVID-19 Surveillance System Using Network Analysis. Clin Infect Dis. 2021;72(1):82-9. DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa892

Abbas M, Zhu NJ, Mookerjee S, Bolt F, Otter JA, Holmes AH, Price JR. Hospital-onset COVID-19 infection surveillance systems: a systematic review. J Hosp Infect. 2021;115:44-50. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.05.016

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