Fiona Cresswell

Dr. Fiona Cresswell is a Senior Lecturer at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) in the Department of Global Health and Infection, specializing in HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and brain infections within global health contexts. With over a decade of clinical experience in East Africa, she serves as Site Principal Investigator for major international trials at Kampala's Infectious Diseases Institute, faculty for London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine's Diploma programs, and Chair of British HIV Association guidelines on post-exposure prophylaxis.

Her educational background includes a clinical PhD in Global Health from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, alongside qualifications: MBChB, BSc, MRCP, DTMH, DipGUM, DFSRH, and PGCertEpi in Epidemiology. This multidisciplinary training underpins her work at the HIV-TB intersection.

Dr. Cresswell's research targets advanced HIV disease in sub-Saharan Africa through two synergistic streams: optimizing tuberculous meningitis (TBM) treatment via high-dose rifampicin trials (HARVEST phase III), and revolutionizing HIV care through long-acting antiretroviral therapy (IMPALA phase III). Her work uniquely bridges clinical pharmacology, implementation science, and diagnostic innovation for resource-limited settings.

Recent publications (2021-2024) demonstrate her dual focus: HIV studies address long-acting ART implementation and two-drug regimens, while TBM research advances high-dose therapy safety and metagenomic diagnostics. This output drives tangible policy impacts, including national guideline updates and international treatment protocols.

Her scientific recognition includes a Wellcome Clinical PhD Fellowship. Additional honors stem from leadership roles:

• Chair, British Association for Sexual Health and HIV 2021 PEP Guidelines
• Writing Group Member, International TB Meningitis Consortium Guidelines
• Early Career Advisor, Wellcome Open Research

Dr. Cresswell mentors clinicians across Uganda while leading substantial grants: IMPALA (Chief Investigator), HARVEST and CARES trials (Site PI), and CORAL study (UK coordinator). Her funding portfolio combines Wellcome Trust, MRC, and institutional support for multi-country research.

She directs the brain infections research group at Kampala's Infectious Diseases Institute, which conducts TBM clinical trials and diagnostic development. The group collaborates globally through the International TB Meningitis Consortium and maintains strong UK-Africa partnerships for capacity building in clinical research.