Our mission

In many crises, MSF is sometimes the only medical organization present among isolated populations or those affected by conflict. Using routine data, as well as information collected specifically when issues arise, Epicentre helps document health needs and evaluate and compare new care practices, with the goal of proposing solutions tailored to populations living in unstable conditions or with insufficient access to care. The questions that shape Epicentre’s research agenda come directly from local teams, or from medical and operations departments: this feedback loop between MSF’s needs and knowledge generation is one of the strengths of our model. 

Field epidemiology, research, and training in Support of MSF

Epicentre’s strength lies in its ability to rapidly apply epidemiological and medical research methods to complex contexts. This responsiveness is made possible by the diverse range of expertise within its teams, based in Paris (France), Maradi (Niger), and Mbarara (Uganda), as well as by the geographic deployment of a network of epidemiologists working closely with operations within units at headquarters, strategic hubs, and program sites. The centers in Niger and Uganda provide the necessary infrastructure for a wide range of projects—both in terms of topics and types of studies, which, from the outset, are designed to be translated into practical solutions on the ground for the affected populations

Epicentre's strength lies in its ability to rapidly apply epidemiological methods in complex situations, thanks to its permanent teams in Paris (France), Maradi (Niger) and Mbarara (Uganda), as well as its teams of epidemiologists in MSF programs in Mali, DRC, Malawi, Chad, and South Sudan, and relocated in New York, Dubai, Dakar, Geneva, Brussels, London, and Cape Town. The research centers in Niger and Uganda provide the necessary infrastructure for a wide range of projects which, from the outset, are designed to be applied in the field for the populations concerned.

In addition, Epicentre also trains MSF staff in epidemiology and public health tools. Through its training program, it helps equip staff with the tools and knowledge needed to deal with emergencies and epidemics.

Epicentre also trains MSF staff in epidemiology and public health tools. Through this training programme, Epicentre helps to equip staff with the tools and knowledge they need to deal with emergencies and epidemics.Link to our training programs.

Tangible added value for MSF 

Thanks to their diversity and expertise, Epicentre’s teams can employ a variety of methodologies tailored to specific objectives. These range from vaccination coverage surveys to large-scale quantitative studies, incorporating mixed-methods approaches for a deeper understanding of the issues, as well as therapeutic and vaccine trials (phases 2 through 4). 

Thanks to their dual focus on research and operations, our experts are able to translate the challenges faced by MSF teams into specific research questions and provide tailored solutions.

These projects aim to inform MSF’s decision-making, change medical practices within MSF, and more broadly influence the recommendations of the WHO and other international decision-makers, as well as support advocacy efforts and strengthen public communication. 

The topics covered range from MSF’s long-standing challenges-armed conflicts, epidemics, population displacement, and malnutrition-to rapidly expanding fields such as oncology, environmental health, antibiotic resistance, women’s health, and mental health.

In addition to research projects for MSF, Epicentre develops partnerships with other institutions with the goal of amplifying the impact and reach of its studies. 

Thanks to its multidisciplinary expertise and collaborations with institutions and NGOs, Epicentre ensures that MSF receives independent, responsive, and equitable research that serves the populations supported by the organization. 

Epicentre at a Glance (2025 figures)