Virus Life Cycles at Multiple Scales: Virus-host interactions controlling species-specific outcomes
Lead Research Organisation:
THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE
Abstract
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Technical Summary
This project is a Topic within the larger Institute Strategic Programme: Virus Life Cycles at Multiple Scales. This Topic has been influenced by COVID-19 which focussed attention on understanding barriers to species jumping by viruses. Pirbright works on many animal viruses, some are restricted to individual species, others have broad host ranges and some the ability to infect humans (zoonoses). We will examine a range of such viruses in this topic, to identify and understand the viral determinants of host range, investigating receptor usage and the, as yet unknown function of viral accessory and non-structural genes associated with host range. In addition, infection with the same virus often produces alternate outcomes in different susceptible host species. The explanation for such differential pathology has not yet been provided for any natural virus-host system and remains one of the biggest outstanding questions in comparative infection biology. We will compare virus-host interactions and host restriction factors in such hosts at the level of the infected cell by using CRISPR knock out and interferon stimulated gene (ISG) expression libraries and cutting-edge âomics and in silico approaches. We will combine the use of in vitro models that correlate with in vivo observations for pathogenesis (differentiated cultures, organoids and ex vivo tissues) with understanding of differential immune responses in the complementary ISPG âHost Responses to Viral Infectionâ, to understand the complex biology of comparative pathology. This is a unique opportunity to gain fundamental insight in an area that human virology cannot address.
Anticipated outcomes from this topic are: 1) Identification of novel host restriction factors that control virus tropism in mammals and insects; 2) Understanding how virus-host interactions and the interferon system influence comparative pathology, 3) Development of in vitro models for pathogenesis which correlate with in vivo outcome.
Anticipated outcomes from this topic are: 1) Identification of novel host restriction factors that control virus tropism in mammals and insects; 2) Understanding how virus-host interactions and the interferon system influence comparative pathology, 3) Development of in vitro models for pathogenesis which correlate with in vivo outcome.
Planned Impact
unavailable
Organisations
- THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE (Collaboration, Lead Research Organisation)
- University of Castile-La Mancha (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF BATH (Collaboration)
- UK HEALTH SECURITY AGENCY (Collaboration)
- Verily Life Sciences LLC (Collaboration)
- University College Dublin (Collaboration)
- ProImmune (Collaboration)
- Hasanuddin University (Collaboration)
- University of Southampton (Collaboration)
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Collaboration)
- IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE (Collaboration)
- Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF SURREY (Collaboration)
- University of Sussex (Collaboration)
- Royal Veterinary College (RVC) (Collaboration)
- Universidade de SĂŁo Paulo (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF EXETER (Collaboration)
- National Museums of Kenya (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL (Collaboration)
- University of Tartu (Collaboration)
Publications
Adeyemi O
(2024)
Microbiological Assessment and Evaluation of Virus Yield in Germ-free Chicken Eggs
in The Open Microbiology Journal
Al-Dalawi L
(2025)
Research note: Use of in vitro and in ovo approaches to characterise avian influenza viruses and assess species specific responses to infection.
in Poultry science
Bailey D
(2025)
Identifying an evolutionary origin for morbilliviruses in bats.
in Nature microbiology
Billington E
(2025)
Investigating factors driving shifts in subtype dominance within H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses.
in The Journal of general virology
Bin Aslam H
(2024)
Financial impact of low pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H9N2 on commercial broiler chicken and egg layer production systems in Pakistan.
in Preventive veterinary medicine
Carter T
(2024)
The Influenza A Virus Replication Cycle: A Comprehensive Review.
in Viruses
| Description | Glycoproteins and host range. Assessing receptor usage of avian H5Nx influenza A viruses (IAVs) in the UK revealed current H5Nx viruses display mutations that increase avian receptor binding affinity causing risk to avian species; while an E185K mutation enabling binding to human receptors highlights H5N1's potential to acquire zoonotic capability. We identified that cattle H5N1 virus uses receptors containing the sialic acid NeuGc, which are abundant in cattle mammary glands but absent in humans and birds. In addition, we have identified that highly chicken-adapted avian influenza viruses (20+ years of circulation) require the receptor sialic acid to be modified by the addition of a sulphate group on the antepenultimate sugar for efficient usage with HA position 190 involved in this binding preference. Non-receptor restriction factors may control host tropism of many viruses. We have obtained evidence that stress granules (SGs), a cellular response to stressors including virus infection, are differentially regulated by FMDV in porcine compared to buffalo cells. The virus induces the disassembly of SG in porcine cells through the cleavage of one of their core proteins, while in buffalo cells no cleavage occurred leading to accumulation of SG. Given FMDV induces pathogenesis in pigs but not buffalo, and the link between SG and innate immune response, this could link the presence or absence of SGs to stronger or weaker immune responses to. We have explored the genetic diversity of the mammalian PLAAT gene family to consolidate our novel finding that members of this family are species-specific restriction factors (PLAAT2 / PLAAT4) which correlate with mammalian susceptibility to FMD. We found that cow mammary cells support replication of diverse IAVs, including strains exhibiting enhanced polymerase activity or interferon antagonism in these cells. Using pangenome analysis of the capripoxviruses we have identified two candidate genes (LSDV132 and LSDV022) that may be linked to host tropism of lumpy skin disease virus, sheeppox and goatpox. The function of these genes is now being established. Finally, with collaborators at the Roslin Institute, we have developed macrophages derived from inducible pluripotent stem cells from pigs, red river hogs and warthogs and have established a methodology to undertake CRISPR screens in high containment using these cells. This provides a powerful system to study host-pathogen interactions for African swine fever virus associated with species specific disease outcomes. Virus-host interactions for differential outcomes in mammal and insect cells. We demonstrated that one key nonstructural protein in flaviviruses antagonises mosquito immune responses in a virus-specific manner, correlating with the vector tropism of mosquito-borne viruses. We therefore identified one key factor determining the ability of this group of viruses to infect and be transmitted by different vector species. We demonstrated through mathematical modelling and infection of cell lines that the emerging flavivirus Alkhumra haemorrhagic fever virus has a differential capacity to infect cells from different livestock species, demonstrating that this virus potentially has a livestock tropism, and that there are species-specific differences in susceptibility to this virus. We have established Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) reverse genetics and culture protocols and subsequently generated proteomics datasets from JEV infected porcine and human cell lines. In addition, we have supported work to establish infection of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus with dengue virus, JEV and Rift Valley fever virus, allowing future study of species-specific outcomes in two vectors. |
| Exploitation Route | Findings from this work relating to virus host range and adaptation may inform future surveillance and assessment of cross-species transmission into both human and livestock species. Better understanding about host restriction and differences in interactions between a virus and it's potential host species may also inform future development of vaccines or other viral control strategies. Furthermore, understanding about cell pathways differentially targeted by viruses in different hosts can be developed to further fundamental understanding of cell systems. Finally, development of tools and protocols including cell lines and recombinant viruses can be utilised by researchers to address new scientific questions. |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | Imperial College London (Masters-level training) |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Impact | The students will be better prepared for how to prepare and respond to outbreaks of tropical vector-borne diseases, which is highly relevant as many students on the course were from disease-endemic countries. |
| URL | https://www.imperial.ac.uk |
| Description | Imperial Masters student training |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Description | Imperial Masters student training (2026) |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Description | OmicsLearning coordinator |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Impact | We have a series of regular courses spanning bioinformatics, genomics, biostatistics, related application areas such as flow cytometry analysis, bioimage analysis and data management (collectively known as "OmicsLearning"). For example, in the 12 months April 2023 to March 2024, we ran 20 OmicsLearning courses (Introduction to R twice, Introduction to Unix twice, Introduction to Python, Using R Packages, Using Python Packages, Data Visualisation, Read Library QC, Genome Assembly, Read Mapping, Mutation Detection, Transcriptomics, Phylogenomics, Bioimage Analysis, Antibody Diversity, Describing Statistical Data, Hypothesis Testing, Probability, Linear Models). These were attended by 72 people, who attended an average of 2.25 courses each. Many participants have integrated bioinformatic and computational approaches into their work as a result, with resulting output seen in research reports, papers, grant applications and the capacity to analyse high-throughput data themselves. The OmicsLearning courses help achieve the BBSRC Institute Strategy goal of "strengthening capability and specialist training of the UK bioscience workforce, from early career researchers, through to technical specialists and research leaders". Of four staff members awarded OmicsLearning awards in 2023, two have gone on to pursue PhDs involving computational analyses, and the other two have moved into roles linked to bioinformatics, one of which was a Career Development Fellowship. In survey response, 55% of respondents say they use what they learned in these courses "often" or "all the time"; 88% say they have used what they learned in the courses; and 50% say they have used these new skills during searches for a new role internally or externally. |
| Description | Oxford Medical Students training |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Description | Oxford medical students training (2026) |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Description | UKHSA's technical advisory group on SARS-CoV-2 variants |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | For several years I have sat on this commitee which has risk assessed incoming SARS-CoV-2 variants with outputs such as to the Media, directly to government or government advisory boards (for example to SAGE and JCVI). |
| URL | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/investigation-of-sars-cov-2-variants-technical-briefings |
| Description | UKHSA's technical advisory group on avian influenza viruses |
| Geographic Reach | Europe |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | This has changed the way the UK does its surveillence for animal influenza viruses in humans. |
| URL | https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-avian-influenza |
| Description | University of Oxford (Medical students training) |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Impact | Medical students in the UK may encounter tropical diseases in patients returning from overseas travel. In this lecture they gained an insight into the disease caused by dengue virus and how people can protect themselves when they travel overseas, allowing them to better care for patients when they enter the clinic. |
| URL | https://www.ox.ac.uk |
| Description | WHO and UKHSA led collaborative research consortium (CORC) on OROV - session chair and participant |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health |
| Impact | The initial meeting has already led to changes in practices on the basis of what was discussed and new collaborations formed. One example would be the standardisation of diagnostic methods with a direct impact on public well-being and effectiveness of public service delivery. |
| Description | WHO led effort to prioritize diseases of epidemic and pandemic threat - member of Paramyxovirus expert group |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | WHO's TAGVE |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | We have risk assessed variants, this has fed back to national public health bodies, media and the public. |
| URL | https://www.who.int/groups/technical-advisory-group-on-sars-cov-2-virus-evolution/about |
| Description | Zika pandemic preparedness ten-year plan consultation (Wellcome Trust/WHO) |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | A human receptor screening resource for host-pathogen interactions |
| Amount | ÂŁ547,787 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | MR/X019705/1 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2023 |
| End | 08/2026 |
| Description | ASF-RESIST: Defining host factors of susceptibility and RESISTance to African Swine Fever in domestic and wild suids |
| Amount | âŹÂ 1,324,930 (EUR) |
| Funding ID | SE1522A |
| Organisation | Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2025 |
| End | 11/2028 |
| Description | Application of molecular xenomonitoring in a lateral flow test format for multiplexed monitoring of vector-borne viruses and their animal reservoirs and insect vectors in low-income settings |
| Amount | ÂŁ49,015 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | IAA2149 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2024 |
| End | 03/2025 |
| Description | Characterising coronavirus replication organelle dynamics and maturation |
| Amount | ÂŁ59,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | The Pirbright Institute |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2024 |
| End | 03/2028 |
| Description | China UK One Health research for epidemic preparedness and AMR initiative |
| Amount | ÂŁ900,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | MR/Y015061/1 |
| Organisation | The Pirbright Institute |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2025 |
| End | 02/2028 |
| Description | Discovering the determinants of host tropism of an emerging livestock pathogen (University of Cambridge) |
| Amount | ÂŁ62,700 (GBP) |
| Organisation | The Pirbright Institute |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2025 |
| End | 04/2029 |
| Description | Establishing Bursa of Fabricius Tissue Explants to Assess Inflammatory Responses to Diverse IBDV Pathotypes |
| Amount | ÂŁ6,456 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | IBDV350200 |
| Organisation | British Poultry Science |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2026 |
| End | 09/2026 |
| Description | Multilateral UK-USA-France Partnership in Genetic Engineering of Disease Vectors |
| Amount | ÂŁ17,500 (GBP) |
| Organisation | The Pirbright Institute |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2024 |
| End | 06/2024 |
| Description | The role of perivascular cell dysfunction in hepatic complications of dengue haemorrhagic fever |
| Amount | ÂŁ589,017 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | MR/X009203/1 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2024 |
| End | 01/2027 |
| Description | Travel Grant |
| Amount | ÂŁ350 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Microbiology Society |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2024 |
| End | 04/2024 |
| Description | US-UK-China Collab-Understanding the Impact of Poultry Vaccination on H5Nx Avian Influenza Virus Evolution and Ecosystem Dynamics |
| Amount | ÂŁ3,000,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | APP18977: 3291 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2024 |
| End | 10/2029 |
| Description | Using machine learning to identify the molecular determinants of vector-borne transmission in viruses |
| Amount | ÂŁ110,327 (GBP) |
| Organisation | The Pirbright Institute |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2024 |
| End | 04/2028 |
| Description | Why so many genes? A model to define gene essentiality in poxviruses |
| Amount | ÂŁ19,850 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | RGS\R2\242525 |
| Organisation | The Royal Society |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2024 |
| End | 09/2025 |
| Title | Bayesian networks for multi-variate analysis of mid-size biological datasets. |
| Description | Elucidation of interactions in cohort datasets via the use of Bayesian networks. These include a number of innovations in improving interpretability by clinician and biologists, who are not experts in statistical modeling. Currently expanding the code base and looking at applications within research in livestock health, such as scRNA-seq experiments of the pig immune system. |
| Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Development of explainable AI models of a variety of cancers, that lead to better understanding of the interactions of driver events in cancer. |
| URL | https://stoics.org.uk/~nicos/sware/gbn/ |
| Title | Bio_db a collection of biological, high quality databases within logic programming. |
| Description | Provides a convenient method for importing a large number of high quality biological databases to the logic programming environment of SWI-Prolog. These include protein-protein interactions database STRING, many EMBL and NCBI genomic information databases. Initially these were across human with later additions on mouse. During the past year, and due to the livestock focus in the institute, we have added information for chicken and pig. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Allows easier data analytics of biological datasets within the classical AI paradigm of logic programming. The databases, in effect, create a large graph of knowledge, which in addition to be useful in analytics, are also an interesting environment for experimenting with large graph algorithms. |
| URL | https://stoics.org.uk/~nicos/sware/bio_db/ |
| Title | LSDV_PVG_paper_2025_Tables |
| Description | Tables for the 2025 paper on pangenome variation graphs in LSDV (lumpy skin disease virus) |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| URL | https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/LSDV_PVG_paper_2025_Tables/30509606 |
| Title | Panalyze |
| Description | Panalyze can make and analyse pangenome variation graphs (PVGs). This was mainly designed with virus genomes in mind. It takes in a FASTA file of related sequences and constructs a PVVG from them using PGGB. It visualises the PVG using VG and ODGI, and summarises it numerically using GFAtools and ODGI. It calculates PVG openness using Panacus, Pangrowth and ODGI's heaps function. It gets the sample genome sizes and allocates them into communities (ie, groups) based on similarity. It identifies mutations in the form of VCFs using GFAutil and gets presence-absence variants (PAVs). It has a range of optional functions, like downloading a query to create the input FASTA, and using the BUSCO database to quantify the numbers of genes in the samples of interest. |
| Type Of Material | Data analysis technique |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | This is being applied to LSDV, SPPV and GTPV genetic data. |
| URL | https://github.com/downingtim/LSDV-PVG/ |
| Description | 1000 Aedes Genomes Project |
| Organisation | Hasanuddin University |
| Country | Indonesia |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We provided intellectual input and access to field sites for the sequencing of mosquito genomes from natural populations. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners provided expertise, intellectual input, resources, and training for the collection of mosquito samples and whole genome sequencing, assembly and annotation. |
| Impact | Genome sequences from mosquito populations. Output DOIs: 10.1186/s13071-024-06158-z 10.1101/2023.11.21.568070 10.1002/ece3.71009 10.1126/science.ads3732 |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | 1000 Aedes Genomes Project |
| Organisation | Verily Life Sciences LLC |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | We provided intellectual input and access to field sites for the sequencing of mosquito genomes from natural populations. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners provided expertise, intellectual input, resources, and training for the collection of mosquito samples and whole genome sequencing, assembly and annotation. |
| Impact | Genome sequences from mosquito populations. Output DOIs: 10.1186/s13071-024-06158-z 10.1101/2023.11.21.568070 10.1002/ece3.71009 10.1126/science.ads3732 |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Akt inhibitors |
| Organisation | University of Castile-La Mancha |
| Country | Spain |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We provided facilities, equipment, expertise and intellectual input for the study of Zika virus infection in mosquito cells. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners brought their expertise and intellectual input on the role of Akt inhibitors on Zika virus infection. |
| Impact | Akt inhibitors were shown to impact Zika virus infection both in human and mosquito cells, defining a conserved role for Akt signalling in Zika virus infection in both the human host and insect vector. Output associated with this collaboration: DOI 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199447 |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Arbovirus reverse genetics systems (AM) |
| Organisation | University of Tartu |
| Country | Estonia |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We brought our expertise in flaviviruses, in particular emerging flaviviruses including Zika virus and Alkhumra haemorrhagic fever virus. We also brought our expertise in high containtment virology up to ACDP Hazard Group 3, SAPO3 and Schedule 5 for molecularly characterising recombinant viruses. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partner brought their expertise in making viral reverse genetics systems for dissecting the function of viral proteins. |
| Impact | A number of reverse genetics systems for flaviviruses have been generated, which are allowing us to interrogate questions about how viruses jump between host and vector species. |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | Cambridge |
| Organisation | University of Cambridge |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaborative research on epitope display systems and use of functional genetic screens. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Collaborative research on epitope display systems and use of functional genetic screens. |
| Impact | Collaborative research on epitope display systems and use of functional genetic screens. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Collaboration with Bernard Agwanda at National Museum of Kenya |
| Organisation | National Museums of Kenya |
| Country | Kenya |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Collaborative discussions on bat prevalence across Kenya and potential for virus spillover into human populations, including wet lab data |
| Collaborator Contribution | Collaborative discussions on bat prevalence across Kenya and potential for virus spillover into human populations, including data on bat distribution, historical sampling sites |
| Impact | None yet |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Collaboration with Rachel Ireland at DSTL |
| Organisation | Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Providing expertise, reagents and advice on coronavirus and arenavirus biology |
| Collaborator Contribution | Providing expertise, reagents and advice on high containment laboratory research |
| Impact | No outcomes as yet. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Construction of Bayesian networks from GenePy matrices. |
| Organisation | University of Southampton |
| Department | Southampton Medical School |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Machine learning of Bayesian Networks for IBD matrices inscribing GenePy scores. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Sharing of their IBD and control datasets which are construed of GenePy matrices, which provide mutational load of genes and regions. Interpretation of the constructed networks. |
| Impact | (discipline Medicine) Improved understanding of mutational burden patterns in the pathogenesis of IBD. (discipline Artificial Intelligence) Communication clues and visual annotation of explainable structured statistical models (Bayesian Networks) for biomedical data. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Dr Kevin Daly |
| Organisation | University College Dublin |
| Country | Ireland |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Expertise in poxvirus biology. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Ancient genomes of livestock species and their pathogens. |
| Impact | Preprint: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.23.707469v1 (submitted to Cell) |
| Start Year | 2025 |
| Description | Dr Luiz Eduardo Del-Bem |
| Organisation | Universidade de SĂŁo Paulo |
| Department | Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz" |
| Country | Brazil |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration aimed at understanding the deep evolutionary history of poxviruses. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Large DNA virus genomics and evolution. |
| Impact | In progress. |
| Start Year | 2025 |
| Description | Dr Stuart Armstrong |
| Organisation | University of Liverpool |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration providing intellectual input, experimental design, data acquisition, data analysis to investigate capripoxvirus-host protein-protein interactions. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Collaboration providing intellectual input, experimental design, data acquisition, data analysis to investigate capripoxvirus-host protein-protein interactions. |
| Impact | In progress |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Exploiting mosquito immunity for generating refractory mosquitoes |
| Organisation | The Pirbright Institute |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I brought my expertise in mosquito immunology and viral evasion of innate immune responses in vertebrates and invertebrates. I provided intellectual input into the project and provided training for three research assistants and one undergraduate placement student. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partner (Luke Alphey, The Pirbright Institute) brought their expertise in mosquito transgenesis and molecular approaches to developing refractory mosquitoes that cannot transmit viruses. The partner also provided intellectual input into the project. |
| Impact | The following publications are associated with this collaboration: DOI: 10.3390/v13112116 |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | FLU-Trailmap: Transmission and risk of avian influenza: learning more to advance preparedness |
| Organisation | Animal and Plant Health Agency |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | This project brought together eight leading scientific organizations in the UK to develop strategies for mitigating bird flu. Its main objective is to devise tools that bridge significant knowledge gaps concerning the virus's prevalence in wild birds and the factors leading to its emergence in poultry. We are exploring molecular determinants potentially related to changes in virus virulence, antigenicity, cross-species transmission, and the capacity to infect humans. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partners provided field samples and sequence data of viruses isolated from disease outbreaks. This data was used to identify molecular determinants linked to virus phenotype changes. |
| Impact | At the frontline, ethnographic surveys were designed and implemented to understand farmers perceptions of farm biosecurity. Studies highlighted the need for an improved understanding of key biosecurity risk points and the implementation of effective biosecurity practices. Outputs showed that high quality facilities and management systems can be undermined by weaknesses in procedural compliance. As such, targeted farm worker education could help mitigate against future incursions which will be addressed in the follow-on research programme, FLUTRAILMAP. Recent work indicates that farm-to-farm spread is rare and that the virus is not spread long distances as an aerosol. Linked to biosecurity, virulence for poultry and the potential role of airborne spread of the virus was evaluated. Active sampling on infected premises across different hosts supported the experimental evaluation of pathogenesis and transmission (FLUMAP: Pathogenesis) by demonstrating that this virus is not spread long distances by the aerosol route (FLUMAP: Aerosol). Further, studies demonstrated that different bird species represent different risk levels for excretion of infectious material and potential transmission routes (FLUMAP: Gannets; FLUMAP: Environment; Pheasants). Ultimately, experimental, field and genetic data supported a lack of aerosol spread between premises. In support of this, genetic analysis of over 800 full bird flu virus genomes demonstrated that farm-to-farm spread was very rare with independent incursions from wild birds driving infection in poultry (FLUMAP: Genetics; Phylodynamics). Several genetic characteristics were identified that expanded our knowledge, explaining the explosive success of the current H5N1 bird flu viruses to spread fast and infect a greater range of bird species including a shift of infection dynamics to affect seabirds (FLUMAP: Infection dynamics) and via long distance and transatlantic spread (Transatlantic). These traits have contributed to the current H5N1 viruses having increased fitness across multiple species. Contemporary H5N1 viruses have enhanced fitness to infect, transmit and persist in birds, but remain of low risk to humans (FLUMAP: Characterization; Human Case). This project has defined a role for multiple virus genes which have switched and evolved over time to act together in a highly efficient manner. To better understand key species that may tolerate infection with this virus in the absence of clinical disease, sampling of hunter harvested wild birds was undertaken. Virus positive birds were detected in a small subset of Teal, Wigeon, and Pink-Footed Geese although carcasses were not available to evaluate the distribution of virus in these birds (Healthy birds). Further assessment of different avian species using this approach are planned. Gannet populations around the UK have been severely impacted by High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI), at Bass Rock the number of occupied nest sites decreased by over 70%. Linked to the detection of the virus in apparently healthy birds, interrogating survival from infection, and in particular the role of antibodies in birds that may have been infected, but survived infection was a key interest (FLUMAP: Gannets). FLUMAP has enabled the development of a suite of laboratory tools that will enable us to dissect the immune response in birds that may have been exposed to multiple and different influenza viruses in their lifetime. Tools are now available to dissect antibody responses to each of the two different viral surface proteins (both individually and in tandem). How these two different viral coat proteins interact with each other and what optimal protein combinations mean with respect to stability of interaction has also been assessed. These tools will enable a better understanding of how different key surface proteins drive immune responses and what that means where viruses emerge containing different coat proteins. The periodic switching of the neuraminidase (NA) protein (i.e., N8 to N1) is an important factor in influencing the emergence of new strains and the tools developed in FLUMAP will enable the impact of these genetic reassortment events to be assessed. Whilst further outputs are realised from the FLUMAP project, the follow-on project, FLUTRAILMAP, will enable the application of these data to this continually emerging global situation and will enable better prevention and mitigation approaches to be defined. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Flavivirus microvascular pathogenesis |
| Organisation | University of Surrey |
| Department | Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I brought my expertise in dengue and virology, and had significant intellectual input into shaping the research question and methodological approach. I also directly contributed to the training of one shared MSc student, two shared PhD students and three undergraduate students who have contributed to this project so far. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partner (Dr. Paola Campagnolo, University of Surrey) brought their expertise in cardiovascular biology and had significant intellectual input into shaping the research question and methodological approach. They also directly contributed to the training of one shared MSc student, one shared PhD student and three undergraduate students who have contributed to this project so far. |
| Impact | The collaboration has resulted in the following publications: DOI: 10.1128/mSphere.00258-20 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001634 DOI: 10.64898/2026.01.29.702573 This is an interdisciplinary collaboration. The disciplines are microbiology/virology (me) and cardiovascular biology (Dr. Paola Campagnolo, University of Surrey). |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | Intern supervision (2025) |
| Organisation | The Pirbright Institute |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Supervision of intern project Sept 2024 to Aug 2025. Supporting training & research. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Internal partners only |
| Impact | Ongoing work that will be published this year |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Mosquito reagent development |
| Organisation | ProImmune |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Expertise and intellectual input into the identification and validation of targets to develop ankyrons as novel tools for molecular studies in mosquitoes. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise, intellectual input and facilities for the production of ankyrons against mosquito proteins. |
| Impact | Ankyrons were developed that have been made available to the research community to facilitate research into mosquito molecular biology with the aim of preventing the spread and emergence of mosquito-borne diseases. These reagents are available for purchase through the company website (www.proimmune.com) and are published in DOI: 10.1101/2025.11.06.687020. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Placement Studentship: Production and characterisation of nanobodies recognising avian influenza and Newcastle disease virus surface glycoproteins using phage display technology |
| Organisation | University of Bath |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Studentship allocated to Roddy Brookes producing and characterising llama nanobodies which recognise avian influenza and Newcastle disease virus surface glycoproteins, using our established methods of phage display technology. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Supervisory contributions, expertise and research guidance for undergraduate placement, attributed to the Bachelor of Science award. |
| Impact | On-going. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Population genetics of myeloma |
| Organisation | Imperial College London |
| Department | Division of Immunology and Inflammation |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Statistical analysis and machine learning on large publicly available datasets. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expert knowledge of myeloma biology and bioinformatics management and first phase analytics of the datasets. |
| Impact | There are currently no published outputs. There are 3 disciplines involved: medicine (biology of Myeloma, Prof Karadimitris) AI (machine learning, Dr Angelopoulos) and bioinformatics (data management and standard analyses, Dr Huang, bioinformatician with Prof Karadimitris). |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Precision cut tissue slices to study early immune responses and viral replication |
| Organisation | Royal Veterinary College (RVC) |
| Department | Pathobiology and Population Sciences |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Precision cut tissue slices (PCTS) from porcine lymph nodes and tonsils are prepared with support from the collaborators at RVC, transported to Pirbright and infected with either African swine fever virus (ASFV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) or foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV). |
| Collaborator Contribution | Collaborators at the RVC provide the infrastructure to prepare PCTS and provide training on the tissue slicing process. |
| Impact | Aim of the project is to establish methodology and workflow to infect cells types permissive for these viruses and measure the innate immune response in the local tissue microenvironment. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Professor Michael Weekes |
| Organisation | University of Cambridge |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Virus-host interactions. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Proteomics. |
| Impact | In progress. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Professor Stephen Graham |
| Organisation | University of Cambridge |
| Department | Department of Pathology |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Functional assays of virus-host interactions, joint supervision of PhD student (Hannah Arnold). |
| Collaborator Contribution | Structural biology and biophysical assays of virus-host protein-protein interactions, joint supervision of PhD student (Hannah Arnold). |
| Impact | Determining the molecular determinants of virus-host interactions underpinning the host preferences of capripoxviruses. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Professor Stuart Haslam |
| Organisation | Imperial College London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Joint PhD student with Department of Life sciences, Imperial College London. Part of same consortium. Provided reagents for glycomics analysis. co-I on small grant fund. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Joint PhD student with Department of Life sciences, Imperial College London. Part of same consortium. Data from the lab being used to formulate joint publication. |
| Impact | Joint PhD studentship, Joint grant funding (co-I on equipment grant from Professor Haslam, both co-Is on alrge consortium grant, he is a co-I on my small grant from royal society.) |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Stem-cells as a tool to understand host-pathogen interactions |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Department | The Roslin Institute |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We have provided expertise on African swine fever virus. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Roslin have provided expertise in stem-cell culture and differentiation into relevant cell types |
| Impact | Multi-disciplinary: Virology (Pirbright) and Precision Engineering (Roslin). Outputs: EUPAHW Funding |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Surrey DTP Studentship: Pathogens and Host Defences Doctoral Training Partnership |
| Organisation | University of Surrey |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Studentship allocated to Oenone Bodman-Harris defining immune potentiating mechanism of vaccines targeting antigens to chicken immune cells. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Supervisory contributions, expertise and research guidance for PhD award. |
| Impact | On-going |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | TrailMap-One Health |
| Organisation | Imperial College London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b is panzootic in birds. Its widespread geographical distribution, sheer numbers of infections and frequent incursions in mammals indicate it to be a virus with pandemic potential. We are working as a consortium to achieve a coordinated in-depth risk assessment of clade 2.3.4.4b viruses particularly zoonotic potential of the current clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The collaborating partners are jointly providing data and samples necessary for evaluating the threat posed by H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) to human health. This effort aims to understand the risks, potential spillover routes into humans, the virus's capacity to adapt for human transmission, and the probable severity of human infections should they occur. We will meet these objectives through three interconnected work packages: (1) assessing the infection likelihood in non-human mammals that could serve as bridging species, (2) evaluating the risk of direct or adapted virus spillover infections in humans, and (3) examining the potential for Clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses to become transmissible among humans. |
| Impact | The work is currently in its initial stages, with anticipated outcomes expected by the end of this current year, 2024/2025. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Wessex One Health (WOH) Doctoral Landscape Award |
| Organisation | Animal and Plant Health Agency |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | TD is co-lead from the Pirbright Institute in this multi-partner award led by the University of Surrey. Nicolas Locker is the official lead from the Pirbright Institute. Yvonne Walsh from the Pirbright Institute provides academic and student support. The Pirbright Communications teams assist with advertisements and communications. |
| Collaborator Contribution | This BBSRC-funded doctoral programme will train students in interdisciplinary approaches to Infection Biosciences across all classes of pathogens, to combat existing and future disease threats to human and animal health, including emerging infections, vector-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance and food insecurity. Wessex One Health (WOH) brings together the expertise of our three university partners and four major UK institutes with national capability for working on high consequence pathogens, to provide a broad training and research experience for students, with the following highlights: -Cross-institutional supervisory teams -Opportunities to train at high containment -Cohort training in genomics, bioinformatics, applied AI -Cohort-building activities across all partners -Opportunities for studentships working with industry (CASE) -Wide range of short industrial placement opportunities. The Partners -University of Surrey (Guildford) -University of Sussex, Including Brighton and Sussex Medical School (Brighton) -University of Exeter, MRC Centre for Medical Mycology -The Pirbright Institute (Woking, Surrey) -Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) (Weybridge, Surrey), -UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) (Porton Down, Wiltshire or Colindale, London) -Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl) (Porton Down, Wiltshire) |
| Impact | Outcomes so far: -Design of 20 collaborative PhD projects between the Pirbright Institute with the partners (APHA, DSTL, UKHSA, University of Surrey, University of Exeter, University of Sussex). -Closer links between the Pirbright Insitute and the APHA, DSTL, UKHSA, University of Surrey, University of Exeter, University of Sussex in terms of building the DLA, planning training and discussing facilities (such as containment). The awards runs 2025-2033. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Wessex One Health (WOH) Doctoral Landscape Award |
| Organisation | Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | TD is co-lead from the Pirbright Institute in this multi-partner award led by the University of Surrey. Nicolas Locker is the official lead from the Pirbright Institute. Yvonne Walsh from the Pirbright Institute provides academic and student support. The Pirbright Communications teams assist with advertisements and communications. |
| Collaborator Contribution | This BBSRC-funded doctoral programme will train students in interdisciplinary approaches to Infection Biosciences across all classes of pathogens, to combat existing and future disease threats to human and animal health, including emerging infections, vector-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance and food insecurity. Wessex One Health (WOH) brings together the expertise of our three university partners and four major UK institutes with national capability for working on high consequence pathogens, to provide a broad training and research experience for students, with the following highlights: -Cross-institutional supervisory teams -Opportunities to train at high containment -Cohort training in genomics, bioinformatics, applied AI -Cohort-building activities across all partners -Opportunities for studentships working with industry (CASE) -Wide range of short industrial placement opportunities. The Partners -University of Surrey (Guildford) -University of Sussex, Including Brighton and Sussex Medical School (Brighton) -University of Exeter, MRC Centre for Medical Mycology -The Pirbright Institute (Woking, Surrey) -Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) (Weybridge, Surrey), -UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) (Porton Down, Wiltshire or Colindale, London) -Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl) (Porton Down, Wiltshire) |
| Impact | Outcomes so far: -Design of 20 collaborative PhD projects between the Pirbright Institute with the partners (APHA, DSTL, UKHSA, University of Surrey, University of Exeter, University of Sussex). -Closer links between the Pirbright Insitute and the APHA, DSTL, UKHSA, University of Surrey, University of Exeter, University of Sussex in terms of building the DLA, planning training and discussing facilities (such as containment). The awards runs 2025-2033. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Wessex One Health (WOH) Doctoral Landscape Award |
| Organisation | UK Health Security Agency |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | TD is co-lead from the Pirbright Institute in this multi-partner award led by the University of Surrey. Nicolas Locker is the official lead from the Pirbright Institute. Yvonne Walsh from the Pirbright Institute provides academic and student support. The Pirbright Communications teams assist with advertisements and communications. |
| Collaborator Contribution | This BBSRC-funded doctoral programme will train students in interdisciplinary approaches to Infection Biosciences across all classes of pathogens, to combat existing and future disease threats to human and animal health, including emerging infections, vector-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance and food insecurity. Wessex One Health (WOH) brings together the expertise of our three university partners and four major UK institutes with national capability for working on high consequence pathogens, to provide a broad training and research experience for students, with the following highlights: -Cross-institutional supervisory teams -Opportunities to train at high containment -Cohort training in genomics, bioinformatics, applied AI -Cohort-building activities across all partners -Opportunities for studentships working with industry (CASE) -Wide range of short industrial placement opportunities. The Partners -University of Surrey (Guildford) -University of Sussex, Including Brighton and Sussex Medical School (Brighton) -University of Exeter, MRC Centre for Medical Mycology -The Pirbright Institute (Woking, Surrey) -Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) (Weybridge, Surrey), -UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) (Porton Down, Wiltshire or Colindale, London) -Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl) (Porton Down, Wiltshire) |
| Impact | Outcomes so far: -Design of 20 collaborative PhD projects between the Pirbright Institute with the partners (APHA, DSTL, UKHSA, University of Surrey, University of Exeter, University of Sussex). -Closer links between the Pirbright Insitute and the APHA, DSTL, UKHSA, University of Surrey, University of Exeter, University of Sussex in terms of building the DLA, planning training and discussing facilities (such as containment). The awards runs 2025-2033. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Wessex One Health (WOH) Doctoral Landscape Award |
| Organisation | University of Exeter |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | TD is co-lead from the Pirbright Institute in this multi-partner award led by the University of Surrey. Nicolas Locker is the official lead from the Pirbright Institute. Yvonne Walsh from the Pirbright Institute provides academic and student support. The Pirbright Communications teams assist with advertisements and communications. |
| Collaborator Contribution | This BBSRC-funded doctoral programme will train students in interdisciplinary approaches to Infection Biosciences across all classes of pathogens, to combat existing and future disease threats to human and animal health, including emerging infections, vector-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance and food insecurity. Wessex One Health (WOH) brings together the expertise of our three university partners and four major UK institutes with national capability for working on high consequence pathogens, to provide a broad training and research experience for students, with the following highlights: -Cross-institutional supervisory teams -Opportunities to train at high containment -Cohort training in genomics, bioinformatics, applied AI -Cohort-building activities across all partners -Opportunities for studentships working with industry (CASE) -Wide range of short industrial placement opportunities. The Partners -University of Surrey (Guildford) -University of Sussex, Including Brighton and Sussex Medical School (Brighton) -University of Exeter, MRC Centre for Medical Mycology -The Pirbright Institute (Woking, Surrey) -Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) (Weybridge, Surrey), -UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) (Porton Down, Wiltshire or Colindale, London) -Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl) (Porton Down, Wiltshire) |
| Impact | Outcomes so far: -Design of 20 collaborative PhD projects between the Pirbright Institute with the partners (APHA, DSTL, UKHSA, University of Surrey, University of Exeter, University of Sussex). -Closer links between the Pirbright Insitute and the APHA, DSTL, UKHSA, University of Surrey, University of Exeter, University of Sussex in terms of building the DLA, planning training and discussing facilities (such as containment). The awards runs 2025-2033. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Wessex One Health (WOH) Doctoral Landscape Award |
| Organisation | University of Surrey |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | TD is co-lead from the Pirbright Institute in this multi-partner award led by the University of Surrey. Nicolas Locker is the official lead from the Pirbright Institute. Yvonne Walsh from the Pirbright Institute provides academic and student support. The Pirbright Communications teams assist with advertisements and communications. |
| Collaborator Contribution | This BBSRC-funded doctoral programme will train students in interdisciplinary approaches to Infection Biosciences across all classes of pathogens, to combat existing and future disease threats to human and animal health, including emerging infections, vector-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance and food insecurity. Wessex One Health (WOH) brings together the expertise of our three university partners and four major UK institutes with national capability for working on high consequence pathogens, to provide a broad training and research experience for students, with the following highlights: -Cross-institutional supervisory teams -Opportunities to train at high containment -Cohort training in genomics, bioinformatics, applied AI -Cohort-building activities across all partners -Opportunities for studentships working with industry (CASE) -Wide range of short industrial placement opportunities. The Partners -University of Surrey (Guildford) -University of Sussex, Including Brighton and Sussex Medical School (Brighton) -University of Exeter, MRC Centre for Medical Mycology -The Pirbright Institute (Woking, Surrey) -Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) (Weybridge, Surrey), -UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) (Porton Down, Wiltshire or Colindale, London) -Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl) (Porton Down, Wiltshire) |
| Impact | Outcomes so far: -Design of 20 collaborative PhD projects between the Pirbright Institute with the partners (APHA, DSTL, UKHSA, University of Surrey, University of Exeter, University of Sussex). -Closer links between the Pirbright Insitute and the APHA, DSTL, UKHSA, University of Surrey, University of Exeter, University of Sussex in terms of building the DLA, planning training and discussing facilities (such as containment). The awards runs 2025-2033. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Wessex One Health (WOH) Doctoral Landscape Award |
| Organisation | University of Sussex |
| Department | Brighton and Sussex Medical School |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | TD is co-lead from the Pirbright Institute in this multi-partner award led by the University of Surrey. Nicolas Locker is the official lead from the Pirbright Institute. Yvonne Walsh from the Pirbright Institute provides academic and student support. The Pirbright Communications teams assist with advertisements and communications. |
| Collaborator Contribution | This BBSRC-funded doctoral programme will train students in interdisciplinary approaches to Infection Biosciences across all classes of pathogens, to combat existing and future disease threats to human and animal health, including emerging infections, vector-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance and food insecurity. Wessex One Health (WOH) brings together the expertise of our three university partners and four major UK institutes with national capability for working on high consequence pathogens, to provide a broad training and research experience for students, with the following highlights: -Cross-institutional supervisory teams -Opportunities to train at high containment -Cohort training in genomics, bioinformatics, applied AI -Cohort-building activities across all partners -Opportunities for studentships working with industry (CASE) -Wide range of short industrial placement opportunities. The Partners -University of Surrey (Guildford) -University of Sussex, Including Brighton and Sussex Medical School (Brighton) -University of Exeter, MRC Centre for Medical Mycology -The Pirbright Institute (Woking, Surrey) -Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) (Weybridge, Surrey), -UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) (Porton Down, Wiltshire or Colindale, London) -Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl) (Porton Down, Wiltshire) |
| Impact | Outcomes so far: -Design of 20 collaborative PhD projects between the Pirbright Institute with the partners (APHA, DSTL, UKHSA, University of Surrey, University of Exeter, University of Sussex). -Closer links between the Pirbright Insitute and the APHA, DSTL, UKHSA, University of Surrey, University of Exeter, University of Sussex in terms of building the DLA, planning training and discussing facilities (such as containment). The awards runs 2025-2033. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Zika virus multi-omics |
| Organisation | University of Southampton |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I and my team members facilitated access to The Pirbright Institute facilities and equipment for Zika virus infections and provided staff training to external visiting scientists to allow them to perform virology studies at the institute. I provided scientific expertise and intellectual input for multi-omics studies of Zika virus infection in cancer cells. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partners brought expertise and provided intellectual input on cancer and multi-omics studies. They brought pre-existing data and contributed to ongoing data analysis. |
| Impact | Research outcomes are a multi-omics analysis of Zika virus infected cells that could inform the development of novel cancer therapies. Manuscript DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-97804-8 This collaboration is multi-disciplinary (oncology, omics, virology). |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | intern student |
| Organisation | The Pirbright Institute |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | host and supervise an intern student |
| Collaborator Contribution | immunogenic team provides technical support, some reagents,s and cosupervision |
| Impact | training intern student |
| Start Year | 2025 |
| Title | Panalyze |
| Description | Panalyze can make and analyse pangenome variation graphs (PVGs). This was mainly designed with virus genomes in mind. It takes in a FASTA file of related sequences and constructs a PVG from them using PGGB. It visualises the PVG using VG and ODGI, and summarises it numerically using GFAtools and ODGI. It calculates PVG openness using Panacus, Pangrowth and ODGI's heaps function. It gets the sample genome sizes and allocates them into communities (ie, groups) based on similarity. It identifies mutations in the form of VCFs using GFAutil and gets presence-absence variants (PAVs). It has a range of optional functions, like downloading a query to create the input FASTA, and using the BUSCO database to quantify the numbers of genes in the samples of interest. |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | It will be useful when analysing viral genomes |
| URL | https://github.com/downingtim/Panalyze |
| Description | Avian Influenza Evolution: Impact on Virulence, Vaccines and Diagnostics. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Munir Iqbal presented a keynote talk at the International Seminar 2024 "Poultry Health Challenges in Pakistan on 21 November 2024 at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Avian Influenza Research at Pirbright |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presented a talk as an invited speaker to the Animal Diseases Surveillance and Control Team at The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), London, UK sharing the research goals and achievements performed at the Pirbright Institute. The topics focused on (i) understanding the genetic and antigenic evolution of avian influenza viruses, (ii) drivers of zoonotic potential, (iii) improvement of poultry vaccine potency, (iv) investigating molecular markers of antigenic variants, (v) improving avian influenza detection and diagnostic approaches, e.g. lateral flow devices and (vi) development of novel vaccine candidates to improve protective efficacy including vector- and multivalent-based vaccines and targeted delivery of antigens. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Avian Influenza Vaccines Research at Pirbright |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Delivered a presentation to key research grant funders and stakeholders in the UK, including BBSRC and DEFRA, associated with animal welfare, disease control, and the research goals and achievements performed at the Pirbright Institute. The topics focused on (i) understanding the genetic and antigenic evolution of avian influenza viruses, (ii) drivers of zoonotic potential, (iii) improvement of poultry vaccine potency, (iv) investigating molecular markers of antigenic variants, (v) improving avian influenza detection and diagnostic approaches, e.g. lateral flow devices and (vi) development of novel vaccine candidates to improve protective efficacy including vector- and multivalent-based vaccines and targeted delivery of antigens. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Avian Influenza Viruses: Potential Threats and Disease Mitigation Strategies |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Munir Iqbal presented a talk (as an invited keynote speaker) at the 8th Scientific Conference on Transboundary Animal Diseases on 10 October 2024, Tunis, Tunesia |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Avian Influenza and One Health |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Munir Iqbal presented Talk at the Infectious Diseases seminar for senior medical practitioners on 25 September 2024, at the Gordon Museum of Pathology, Hodgkin Building, Guy's Campus, London. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Avian Influenza: Global Situation & Control Strategies |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presented a talk as an invited speaker at the International Symposium on Poultry Health Challenges in Pakistan. Organized by the World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA-Pakistan Branch) at Serena Hotel Faisalabad, Pakistan. Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices. From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals. Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Bunya2024 conference Poster presentation: "Decoding differential activity of native and recombinant type I interferons against Rift Valley fever virus infection." |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Poster presentation at the Bunya2024 conference in Leeds. One outcome of this conference was a satellite meeting on Oropouche virus and the establishment of several international OROV interest groups, one led by Pirbright. Further, funding was subsequently secured. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Careers event at Bishop David Brown School, Woking - MB |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | The event involved discussing a variety of careers including potential STEM jobs and wider opportunities at Pirbright with students in years 7-11. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Challenges and Innovations in Avian Influenza Vaccines |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Munir Iqbal presented Avian Pathology Lecture at the 6th WVPA Asia Meeting, 17-18 October 2024, Manila, Philippines. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Co-chairing a session at Pandemic Science Institute inaugural meeting in Oxford |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Co-chaired a session on vaccines as part of the PSI's first international meeting in 2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.psi.ox.ac.uk/ |
| Description | Developing Novel Multivalent Vaccines for Poultry Viral Diseases |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Munir Iqbal present talk Presented at the Oxford University Human and Veterinary Vaccinology Course on 30th October 2024, Pirbright, UK. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Developing novel multivalent vaccines for poultry viral diseases |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Presented a talk at the Oxford University training Course on Human & Veterinary Vaccinology, UK. This talk was directed to students at the University of Oxford to teach and describe the research and challenges to overcome to enhance the efficacy of poultry-based vaccines performed at the Pirbright Institute. From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals. Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | ENDVOC symposia talk |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Gave an invited talk entitled "Combining genomics and virology to make sense of pandemics" at the ENDVOC symposium in Barcelona in June 2023. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://endvoc.eu/save-the-date-endvoc-scientific-symposium-june-6-2023-barcelona-and-online/ |
| Description | Emergence and Fitness of H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b Viruses Currently Infecting Poultry, Wild Birds, Mammals, and Humans |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Munir Iqbal presented a talk at the International Pandemic Sciences Conference, 1-2 July 2024, Oxford, UK. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Engagement with poultry stakeholders (farmers and veterinarians at "Morocco Poultry Day"). |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Talk was presented to poultry stakeholders including farmers describing the new emerging technologies that increase the efficacy of poultry vaccines, in particular vaccines against Avian influenzas and Newcastel disease virus,.The meetings was attended over 80 participates. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Enhancing the Potency of Poultry Vaccines by Selectively Targeting Antigens to Chicken Antigen-Presenting Cells |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presented a talk as an invited speaker at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany. Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices. Our research on our newly developed targeted-delivery vaccine platform addresses these challenges by improving: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, and (6) overcome maternally derived antibodies. This platform therefore (1) enhances the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduces production losses, (3) improves cost-effectiveness, (4) improves productivity and economy, (5) improves animal welfare, and (6) reduces prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis). Additionally, collaborations with industrial partners can integrate this research to adapt to new antigenic variants and/or hosts. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Enhancing the potency of poultry vaccines and overcoming maternally derived antibody interference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presented a talk as keynote speaker at the GARAD-2023 conference at Harbour Hotel Guildford, UK. Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices. Our research on our newly developed targeted-delivery vaccine platform addresses these challenges by improving: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, and (6) overcome maternally derived antibodies. This ensures early vaccination is possible and this vaccine platform can aid control of avian influenza in early poultry populations. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Enhancing the potency of poultry vaccines by targeted delivery of antigens to chicken antigen-presenting cells |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presented a talk as an invited speaker at the 12th Asian Pacific Poultry Conference (APPC2023) at Nanjing, China. Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices. Our research on our newly developed targeted-delivery vaccine platform addresses these challenges by improving: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, and (6) overcome maternally derived antibodies. This platform therefore (1) enhances the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduces production losses, (3) improves cost-effectiveness, (4) improves productivity and economy, (5) improves animal welfare, and (6) reduces prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis). Additionally, collaborations with industrial partners can integrate this research to adapt to new antigenic variants and/or hosts. This ensures early vaccination is possible and this vaccine platform can aid control of avian influenza in early poultry populations. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Evolutionary Dynamics of Avian Influenza (H5/H7/H9) in Asia and Its Risks |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Munir Iqbal presented a talk at the 6th WVPA Asia Meeting, 17-18 October 2024, Manila, Philippines. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://wvpa-asia2024.com/ |
| Description | GARAD talk |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Gave invited talk entitled: The role of polymerase gene segments in the emergence and zoonotic potential of panzootic H5N1 avian influenza viruses. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://garad.org/ |
| Description | Global epidemic trend of avian influenza virus and its harm to public health |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Talk as an invited speaker at The 2023 China-ASEAN Seminar on Prevention and Control of Cross-border Animal Diseases, Guangxi Veterinary Research Institute, Nanning, Guangxi, China. The persistence of avian influenza viruses in bird populations increases zoonotic and pandemic risks. Research focuses on reducing prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis). To address this, topics discussed included research focuses in: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices. From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals. Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | H5Nx Clade 2.3.4.4b Avian Influenza Viruses: An Increasing Risk for Global Poultry, Livestock, and Humans |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Munir Iqbal presented a talk at the WVPA Regional Conference for Africa and the Middle East 3-6 September 2024, Cairo, Egypt. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | HPAI Update: Global and Asian Situation and Control. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Munir Iqbal Presented talk et "Let's Speak Poultry" (ASKAN), on 16 October 2024 in Manila, Philippines. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Improving Detection Sensitivity of Lateral Flow-Based Rapid Diagnosis of Emerging Avian Influenza H5Nx Clade 2.3.4.4b Viruses |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Munir Iqbal presented a talk at the International Pandemic Sciences Conference, 1-2 July 2024, Oxford, UK. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Improving Vaccines against Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease Viruses |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presented a talk as an invited speaker at the Sino-European Modern Livestock and Poultry Industry Technical Innovation seminar and the launch of the Joint Laboratory of China and European Countries. Shandong Binzhou Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine Academy, Binzhou, China. Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices. From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals. Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Interview on Radio Stoke |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Discussed the likelihood of cold viruses increasing and helping people understand how viruses evolve. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Interview skills workshop, Ash Manor School - MB |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | The event involved coaching year 11 students in how to structure and conduct successful interviews. Interviewing them and following up with awareness of recruitment strategy to aid their skill development. Providing feedback to candidates after reading through their CV and application letters. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Invited Seminar at Pandemic Sciences Institute Oxford |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited seminar about coronavirus spillover, prediction and understanding the generalism of some zoonotic pathogens. There were many questions afterwards and I polled the audience about their views and whether they had changed on the subject before and after the seminar. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Invited seminar at KEMRI, Kilifi, Kenya (online) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited seminar about coronavirus spillover, prediction and understanding the generalism of some zoonotic pathogens. There were many questions afterwards. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Invited seminar at Roslin Institute |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited seminar about coronavirus spillover, prediction and understanding the generalism of some zoonotic pathogens. There were many questions afterwards and I polled the audience about their views and whether they had changed on the subject before and after the seminar. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Liverpool Pandemic Institute symposium |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Gave an talk at Liverpool Pandemic Institute entitled: Real time risk assessment of panzootic H5N1 avian influenza viruses |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.thepandemicinstitute.org/work-with-us/uk-pandemic-sciences-network/ |
| Description | Mental Health First Aid and Mind - Time to talk day 2025 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Offering students and staff the opportunity to talk with the aim of fostering mental health and culture at Pirbright. Information provided about who the mental health first aiders at the institute are and what their role is. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Microbiology Society Annual Conference (Birmingham) - Poster presentation: Assessing the effect of inter-isolate variation on the function of RVFV virulence determinants. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Poster presentation at an international conference. The event included networking opportunities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Microbiology Society Poster presentation "Decoding differential activity of native and recombinant type I interferons against Rift Valley fever virus infection" |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Poster presentation at the Annual Conference in Edinburgh. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Molecular Risk Assessment of Clade 2.3.4.4b H5Nx Avian Influenza Viruses |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | UK-China Avian Flu Control Workshop and Flu-Trail Map Workshop on 11 and 12 November 2024 at The Pirbright Institute, UK. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Multiple talks at XXIInd World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress - WVPAC 2023, Verona, Italy |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | three independent talks titled: (1) Selectively targeting antigens to chicken immune cells induces faster and very strong immunity in chicks with high levels of maternally derived antibodies, (2) The impact of avian influenza vaccination on zoonotic infections: lessons learned from the H7N9 avian influenza control, (3) Investigating molecular markers influences the haemagglutination activity of the H9N2 avian influenza viruses. Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices. From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effective: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals. Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | One Health: Zoonosis and Their Control Through the Use of Vaccines |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presented a talk as an invited speaker at the conference entitled "National Dialogue on Agricultural Research" at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan. The persistence of avian influenza viruses in bird populations increases zoonotic and pandemic risks. Research focuses on reducing prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis). To address this, topics discussed included research focuses in: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices. From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals. Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Organisation and attendance at UK-International Coronavirus Network conferences in Slovenia and Belfast |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | The UK-ICN runs networking meetings for coronavirus researchers. The Belfast meeting focused on animal coronaviruses and a GAP analyis in this area led by EU based teams at STAR-IDAZ. The Slovenia meeting was the AGM and had a satellite meeting on Big Data with support from CEFAS and Zoetis for both conferences. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://uk-icn.co.uk/ |
| Description | Oropouche virus interest group |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | I established an Oropouche virus interest group with members from the Americas, the UK and mainland Europe to discuss priority areas for research and joint funding applications. The group meets online every three months. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Pirbright Pride Day - picornavirus group |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Pirbright open day for family/friends of staff or students and local community. Excellent engagement with the public and sparked new ideas for outreach to improve other events. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Pirbright village fair 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This annual event, organised by Pirbright Parish Council and St. Michael & All Angels Church and hosted on the village green, offered an ideal occasion for the Institute to foster connections with the local community and ignite their interest in cutting-edge scientific research. This year's theme was 'Around the World' and included stalls and activities to reflect as many different countries and cultures as possible. The Institute's stall featured various engaging activities. Attendees, young and old had the opportunity to shake and reassemble virus models, swab Henrietta the hen to determine her health status, observe Culicoides nubeculosus midges in a display net, and examine midge larvae and pupae under a microscope for a closer inspection. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://thebull.pirbright.ac.uk/Interact/Pages/Content/Document.aspx?id=7311&SearchId=208907 |
| Description | Poster presentation at the Vectorborne diseases in the UK meeting: "Decoding differential activity of native and recombinant type I interferons against Rift Valley fever virus infection." |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Poster presentation at the Vectorborne diseases in the UK meeting in Liverpool. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Presentation at RIVR: "Rift Valley fever virus genotype - phenotype relationships" |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Presentation at the annual RIVR (Recently independent virology researcher) meeting, which I am co-organising. This is to establish collaborations between recently appointed PIs and to foster career growth. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Preventing and controlling avian influenza infections in poultry and humans |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices. From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals. Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | RIVR (Recently Independent Virology Researchers) Annual Meeting (Liverpool) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presented a science talk to other researcher on a national level. The event included networking activities. Future collaborations have been planned. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Radio Derby Interview |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Discussion on COVID and Flu pressures |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Round table discussion on career development (University of Sussex) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Discussed career options and progression with postgraduates thinking about academic careers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | STEM for Society |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | KM was interviewed for the "Researcher Celebrities" video interview series on YouTube, run by STEM for Society. These videos are watched by an audience of a few hundred to a few thousand viewers from across the world. Shortly after posting the video there was already engagement in the comments section of the video. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/@stemforsociety |
| Description | School visit to Winchester Science Museum |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | 60 primary school students visited Winchester Science Museum. During the visit I helped students to engage with the exhibits, answering questions and encouraging discussion. The children reported interest in the exhibits and increased understanding of the scientific concepts on display. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | School visit- Woking College |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Engaged with students aged 16+, talk about Pirbright research, career paths and opportunities in STEM. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Scientific Advisory Committee on Genetic Modification (SACGM) focussed meeting: Coronavirus Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Scientific Advisory Committee on Genetic Modification (SACGM) focussed meeting: Coronavirus Workshop - discussion of current SARS-COV-2 reverse genetics techniques and experiments and future of SARS-CoV-2 GM work and biosafety. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Seminar presentation at CVR: "Decoding differential activity of native and recombinant type I interferons against Rift Valley fever virus infection." |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Seminar presentation at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Showcase for Pirbright-Diamond collaboration in virus imaging |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Researchers from The Pirbright Institute, the University of Oxford's Division of Structural Biology and Diamond Light Source have showcased their expertise at the Harwell Open Day, which highlights UK science and innovation to the public. Staged for the first time in eight years, the event gave the public behind-the-scenes insight into leading-edge research and the chance to meet scientists and technicians who deliver discoveries that make the news. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.pirbright.ac.uk/news/showcase-pirbright-diamond-collaboration-virus-imaging |
| Description | Talk at JGV Roadshow, Guildford |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presentation at JGV roadshow in Guildford, titled: Understanding tissue tropism shifts in SARS-CoV-2 variants |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://microbiologysociety.org/event/society-events-and-meetings/journal-of-general-virology-roadsh... |
| Description | Talk at JGV roadshow event in Surrey |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | I spoke to 50-100 scientists about our work on viral zoonosis and host range, including work on morbilliviruses, coronaviruses and arenaviruses |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Talk on ASF subunit vaccines at 'Human and Veterinary Vaccinology' course |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Talk on the challenges of developing vaccines against African swine fever virus as part of the Talk on ASF subunit vaccines at 'Human and Veterinary Vaccinology' course organised by the Jenner Institute |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Talk on Asfarvaridae at Virologie Fondamentale MSc course |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Presentation of African swine fever virus to MSc students as part of the Pasteur Institute's virology course |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Understanding Evolution and Impacts of Avian Influenza Viruses |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Internal seminar presented at The Pirbright Institute, sharing the achievements and current ongoing research being performed within the Avian Influenza Virus and Newcastle Disease Virus Group to other colleagues throughout the site. Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices. From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals. Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Understanding Evolution and Persistence of Avian Influenza Viruses in Poultry |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Presented a talk at the LASA 60th Anniversary Conference, the Hinxton Hall Conference Centre, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK, sharing the research goals and achievements performed at the Pirbright Institute. Poultry production continues to face several challenges caused by avian influenza, including: (1) virus evolution & antigenic diversity, (2) emergence of new virus variants, (3) co-circulation of multiple variants of same pathogen, (4) mixed infection of different viruses (immunosuppression), (5) maternally derived antibody interference, and (6) poor quality vaccines and sub-optimal vaccination practices. From these challenges, the topic of discussion and research drives optimal vaccination strategies to improve: (1) potency: a single dose to induce faster, stronger and durable immunity against multiple pathogens, (2) effectiveness: protect from clinical disease, reduced shedding and transmission, (3) affordability: cheap to produce and easy to deliver, (4) safety: no adverse impact to host or environment, (5) stability: retain efficacy for at least 1 year at indicated temperature, (6) DIVA: to allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals. Implementing new emerging vaccine approaches can: (1) enhance the efficacy, duration, and breadth of immunity, (2) reduce production losses, (3) improve cost-effectiveness, (4) improve productivity and economy, (5) improve animal welfare, and (6) reduce prevalence of viruses and protect public health (reduced virus prevalence = reduced zoonosis). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | remote talk Antimicrobial Chemotherapy society |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Gave remote talk at Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Society seminar series entitled: H5N1 in mammals: what evidence do we see for human and mammalian adaptation |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.isac.world/meetings/webinars/latest-on-demand-webinars |