Professor Edward Parker’s research applies data science to improve the effective use of vaccines. As theme co‑lead for the Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Vaccines and Immunisation at LSHTM, he leads work using electronic health records to study vaccine uptake, safety, and effectiveness in the UK. He also collaborates on projects with the OpenSAFELY platform, developing innovative approaches to assess vaccine coverage and impact. His earlier career focused on laboratory research, including studies on the gut microbiome and infant vaccine responses in low‑income countries. Notably, he contributed to a UKRI‑funded project comparing virome development among newborns in the UK and Malawi. 

Beyond research, Parker is passionate about data visualisation and science communication. He spearheaded the development of LSHTM’s COVID‑19 vaccine tracker from 2020 to 2022 and served as a consultant to the WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE), supporting the creation of key policy documents during the pandemic. He also writes popular science articles, with work published in The Guardian, The Independent, and The Conversation. His career reflects a commitment to combining rigorous data analysis with clear communication to advance global vaccine understanding and policy.