Peter trained in medicine at University College London and went on to specialise in emerging and epidemic prone infectious diseases. Over the last 25 years he has led research on a wide range of emerging and epidemic infections, including SARS, avian influenza, Ebola, Lassa fever, plague and COVID-19. In 2021, Peter was knighted for services to medical research.

Peter is the founding Director of the Pandemic Sciences Institute, an interdisciplinary research institute at the University of Oxford with a mission to discover, create and enable practical, science-driven solutions to infectious disease threats worldwide.

Peter is a regular advisor to the UK Government and the World Health Organization.