Freya Jephcott

Dr Freya Jephcott is a Senior Research Associate at the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER), University of Cambridge, and a Postdoctoral Associate at Jesus College. Her work bridges epidemiology and ethnography to analyze outbreak surveillance systems in resource-limited settings.

• Specializes in unobserved disease emergence and epistemic injustice
• Convenes the Hidden Epidemics research network
• Collaborates with Médecins Sans Frontières and WHO on health emergencies

Academic Background:

• BMedSci from Australian National University
• BA (Hons) in Social Policy from University of Sydney
• MPhil and PhD in Medical Anthropology and Epidemiology from University of Cambridge

Freya’s research focuses on zoonotic disease dynamics, disaster displacement effects on health, and organizational barriers in outbreak response. Her publications address hypothesis-building in cryptic encephalitis outbreaks and structural drivers of disease transmission in conflict zones.

Recent Publications (2021–2025) span: outbreak surveillance norms in Ghana; challenges of applied epidemiology; pandemic risk areas (zoonotic spillover, antimicrobial resistance); disaster displacement impacts in Pakistan; and policy frameworks for health emergencies.

• Scientific Awards:
• Ebola Medal for Service in Africa
• ANU Chancellor’s Prize

Active in applied policy work and field research, Freya also explores homesteading, sailing, and set design as personal interests.