About
I have an international reputation in the field of virus-host interactions. The focus of my research and teaching is on infectious diseases. I lead a diverse group of researchers using molecular techniques to study virus infection and interventions in man and animals. This includes COVID-19, Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Using the high containment facilities at Liverpool I have established precliical models of virus diseases including Influenza and COVID-19 and am using them to develop theapeutics and vaccines.
I trained as a molecular biologist, applying molecular techniques to study virus/host interactions, specifically the immune response. A large part of my career has been spent studying pathogenesis and virus-host interactions, with a particular focus on the herpesvirus family. One of the most important aspects of my work was establishing the link between active EBV infection and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and then showing that this a consequence of the normal biology of this group of viruses.
With Tony Nash, I developed murine gammaherpesvirus in mice as a means of studying authentic host-virus interactions, exploiting the power of virus reverse genetics and KO mouse technology.
More recently my research has moved to focus on virus-host interactions in the respiratory tract, using other respiratory pathogens such as influenza A virus and RSV. I have developed an integrative toolkit and pathway with which to do this. I use conventional and molecular techniques to analyse the course of virus infection combined with big data techniques and informatics to relate the function of viral determinants with host defence responses. The ultimate aim is to translate this into novel interventions and vaccines.
I teach Veterinary, Medical and Life Science students up to Masters level. I have previously served as external examiner for Edinburgh University (Bsc (Hon) Infectious Disease) and Imperial College London (MSc Virology). I have been examiner for 50 PhD theses both in the UK and internationally.
My Laboratory currently consists of 3 PDRAs and 9 PhD students. I have previously supervised 40 PhD students from the UK and Internationally to completion many of whom are now academics, group leaders, or working in Industry.
At Liverpool I am Head of the Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes and Chair the University Biohazards Committee. I have previously been Head of School and Chair of the University Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body. I am Academic Editor for PLoS ONE, on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Roslin Institute and have served on UK research council funding and review panels since 2004. I have also appeared on UK National TV giving expert opinion on Influenza vaccination.
Prizes or Honours
- Adjunct Professor (Northwest A&F University, China, 2019)
- Adjunct Professor (University of Georgia, Athens, USA, 2010)
Funded Fellowships
- Royal Society University Research Fellow (The Royal Society (London), 1997)