Arthropod-borne infections

Lead Research Organisation: University of Glasgow
Department Name: UNLISTED

Abstract

Dr Alain Kohl and Dr Emma Thomson, Lead Investigators, Dr Emilie Pondeville and Prof Massimo Palmarini as Collaborators, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), University of Glasgow.
Urbanisation, agricultural practices, mass transportation and changing interactions between humans and their environment create unprecedented opportunities for viruses to emerge and spread globally among human populations. Many emerging viruses are transmitted to vertebrate hosts, including humans by arthropod vectors, such as mosquitoes. “Arboviruses” can replicate in both vertebrates and arthropods and thus overcome a diverse array of hostile antiviral responses from the mosquitoes and the mammalian hosts. In this programme we aim to understand the fundamental processes governing the immune responses of mosquitoes to arboviruses. These studies will increase our understanding of vector “competence” (i.e. the ability of insect vectors to transmit certain arboviruses) and facilitate the development of novel control measures. Studies on arboviruses and other emerging viruses will also be conducted in collaboration with the Uganda Virus Research Institute in Uganda, where several emergent viruses with epidemic potential have been identified in the past. We aim to identify viruses and other pathogens causing febrile illness in the human population living in 3 geographically distinct regions of Uganda (North West, Central and South West districts).

Technical Summary

Urbanisation, agricultural practices, mass transportation and changing interactions between humans and their environment create unprecedentend opportunities for viruses to emerge and spread globally among human populations. Many emerging viruses are transmitted to vertebrate hosts, including humans by arthropod vectors, such as mosquitoes. “Arboviruses” can replicate in both vertebrates and arthropods and thus overcome a diverse array of hostile antiviral responses from species in very different taxa. Our understanding of the antiviral responses in vertebrates far exceeds that of arthropod vectors such as the mosquito Ae. aegypti. Studies on the fundamental processes governing insect vector immune responses to arboviral infections will increase our understanding of vector “competence” (i.e. the ability of insect vectors to transmit certain arboviruses) and facilitate the development of novel control measures. We will focus on the identification and characterisation of interaction partners of proteins involved in two key RNAi pathways: the exogenous small interfering (si) RNA and PIWI-interacting (pi)RNA pathways. These studies will use viruses like Zika and Chikungunya and the roles and effects of these RNAi pathways and interaction partners will be further analysed in vivo at insect vector tissue and organism level.
Studies on arboviruses and other emerging viruses will also be conducted in collaboration with the Uganda Virus Research Institute in Uganda, where several emergent viruses with epidemic potential have been identified (including yellow fever, Zika, Semliki Forrest, Ebola and Marburg viruses). We aim to identify viruses and other pathogens causing febrile illness in 3 geographically distinct regions of Uganda (North West, Central and South West districts). Specifically, we will study samples from the Acute Febrile Illness cohort (AFI) – a large UVRI/CDC cohort of patients presenting to health centres with fever, of which 17% remained undiagnosed despite comprehensive diagnostic testing.

People

ORCID iD

Publications

10 25 50

Related Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Award Value
MC_UU_12014/7 01/05/2013 31/03/2023 £2,823,000
MC_UU_12014/8 Transfer MC_UU_12014/7 01/05/2013 31/03/2023 £4,034,000
MC_UU_12014/9 Transfer MC_UU_12014/8 01/04/2016 31/03/2023 £1,436,000
MC_UU_12014/10 Transfer MC_UU_12014/9 01/04/2016 31/03/2023 £2,955,000
MC_UU_12014/11 Transfer MC_UU_12014/10 01/04/2016 31/03/2023 £570,000
 
Description Support of Fiocruz Recife Arbovirus Reference Laboratory
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
 
Description 21SRF VBD UKRI BBSRC MRC Cross-Council Synergy in Understanding Vector Borne and Zoonotic Viral Disease
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Description EU Horizon 2020 Infravec-2 consortium "Research capacity for the implementation of genetic control of mosquitoes -2"
Amount € 9,998,845 (EUR)
Organisation European Union 
Sector Public
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Description Horizon 2020 Zikalliance
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Amount £0 (GBP)
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Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
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Title Reverse genetics for Zika virus 
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Title pPUb expression vector 
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Year Produced 2017 
Provided To Others? Yes  
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Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
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Description Data underlying publication doi: 10.3390/v10120694 
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Provided To Others? Yes  
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Description Viruses transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes are an increasingly important global cause of disease. Defining common determinants of host susceptibility to this large group of het- erogenous pathogens is key for informing the rational design of panviral medicines. Infection of the vertebrate host with these viruses is enhanced by mosquito saliva, a complex mixture of salivary-gland-derived factors and microbiota. We show that the enhancement of infection by saliva was dependent on vascular function and was inde- pendent of most antisaliva immune responses, including salivary microbiota. Instead, the Aedes gene product sialokinin mediated the enhancement of virus infection through a rapid reduction in endothelial barrier integrity. Sialokinin is unique within the insect world as having a vertebrate-like tachykinin sequence and is absent from nonvector competent Anopheles mosquitoes, whose saliva was not proviral and did not induce sim- ilar vascular permeability. Therapeutic strategies targeting sialokinin have the potential to limit disease severity following infection with Aedes-mosquito-borne viruses. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2022 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact None yet. 
URL https://archive.researchdata.leeds.ac.uk/974/
 
Title Mutational analysis of Aedes aegypti Dicer 2 provides insights into the biogenesis of antiviral exogenous small interfering RNAs 
Description Data underlying figures. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2022 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Not known. 
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Title Mutational analysis of Aedes aegypti Dicer 2 provides insights into the biogenesis of antiviral exogenous small interfering RNAs 
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Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? Yes  
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Description Data underlying figures. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? Yes  
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Description Data underlying publication doi: 10.1128/mSphere.00081-20 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Not known. 
 
Title The SUMOylation pathway suppresses arbovirus replication in Aedes aegypti cells 
Description  
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? Yes  
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Title Zika virus infection leads to demyelination and axonal injury in mature CNS cultures 
Description These datasets contain cell, myelin, and axon quantification data used for figures and analysis. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Not known. 
URL http://researchdata.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/1049
 
Title aBravo is a novel Aedes aegypti antiviral protein that interacts with, but acts independently of, the exogenous siRNA pathway effector Dicer 2 
Description These datasets contain luciferase data contained in the paper. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL http://researchdata.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/1010
 
Description Arthropod bite site immunity 
Organisation University of Leeds
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Experimental study systems including viruses; study design.
Collaborator Contribution Experimental study systems including immunology; study design. With Dr C. McKimmie, previously (at the start of the project) University of Glasgow and now University of Leeds.
Impact Novel data on how bite site host responses and mosquito/arthropod saliva interact with arbovirus replication.
Start Year 2013
 
Description Arthropod innate immune control of arbovirus replication 
Organisation Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Arbovirus clones/infectious clones, assay systems, reagents; experimental design and and data interpretation.
Collaborator Contribution Arbovirus clones/infectious clones, assay systems, reagents; experimental design and data interpretation. With Professor E. Schnettler.
Impact Novel data on arthropod antiviral immunity to arbovirus infection.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Arthropod innate immune control of arbovirus replication: novel cell systems 
Organisation The Pirbright Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Testing and characterisation of genetically modified mosquito cell clones.
Collaborator Contribution Production of genetically modified mosquito cell clones. With Dr K. Maringer previously University of Surrey, now at The Pirbright Institute).
Impact New genetically modified cell lines with defined knockouts resulting in deficiencies in RNA interference pathways.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Biology of flavivirus sfRNA 
Organisation Wageningen University & Research
Country Netherlands 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Experimental assays and study design.
Collaborator Contribution Experimental assays and study design. With Dr G. Pijlman.
Impact Increased our understanding of the properties flavivirus sfRNA.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Bunyavirus-host interactions 
Organisation Saint Louis Research Institute
Country France 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Bunyavirus expertise, including reverse genetics applications.
Collaborator Contribution Host factor screening systems in vertebrate cells. With Dr. A. Amara.
Impact None yet.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Bunyavirus-host interactions and replication 
Organisation University of Glasgow
Department MRC - University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Arthropod innate immunity reagents and expertise; bunyavirus expertise and reagents including viruses and infectious clones; experimental design and data evaluation.
Collaborator Contribution Bunyavirus expertise and reagents including viruses, infectious clones, minireplicon systems, protein expression clones; experimental design and data evaluation. With Professor R. M. Elliott until he passed away in 2015 and currently with Dr B. Brennan.
Impact Novel infectious clones and minireplicon systems for specific bunyaviruses and new functional data on bunyavirus proteins, bunyavirus replication, bunyavirus-host interactions including immunity.
Start Year 2013
 
Description Clinical, Epidemiological, Immunological and Viral Characterization of Lethal Cases Occurred in the State of Pernambuco With Laboratory Diagnosis Positive for Chikungunya Virus 
Organisation Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz)
Department Fiocruz Pernambuco
Country Brazil 
Sector Hospitals 
PI Contribution Advice, data interpretation.
Collaborator Contribution Patient samples, epidemiological surveys and sequencing technology. Project led by Dr L. Pena.
Impact Investigations into chikungunya virus sequences.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Cross species complementation of RNAi effector proteins 
Organisation Queen Mary University of London
Department Blizard Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Arbovirus expertise, mosquito RNAi expertise and reagents.
Collaborator Contribution Human RNAi expertise and reagents. With Dr. P. Maillard.
Impact None yet.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Discovery of SARS-CoV-2 antivirals 
Organisation University of Glasgow
Department MRC - University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Development of virological assays for drug testing and drug screening assays.
Collaborator Contribution Drug screening and virology expertise. With Professor A. Patel and Dr S. Wilson. Supported by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Impact Cytopathic-effect based drug screening assay for SARS-CoV-2 and drug discovery.
Start Year 2020
 
Description Eco-epidemiological surveillance of Zika virus in Colombia and Ecuador 
Organisation University of Glasgow
Department Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Deep sequencing of RNA from collected mosquitoes and data analysis for virus detection in mosquitoes; supervision of PhD student and Master's student.
Collaborator Contribution Organisation of trapping/collections of mosquitoes; supervision of PhD student and Master's student. With Professor H. Ferguson; funded through her MRC-Wellcome Trust Zika Rapid Response funding.
Impact Data on presence of arboviruses and mosquito-only viruses in areas of Ecuador and Colombia; training of students in molecular techniques.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Engineering of arboviruses for studies in arthropod infection assays 
Organisation The Pirbright Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We collaborate on engineering alphavirus and bunyavirus genomes for studies in insect cells.
Collaborator Contribution Experimental assays. With Professor J. Fazakerley and Dr R. Fragkoudis.
Impact Data on arbovirus-host interactions.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Genetic modification of mosquitoes 
Organisation University of Strasbourg
Department Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IBMC)
Country France 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Arbovirus-mosquito interaction expertise.
Collaborator Contribution Expertise for, and production of genetically modified mosquitoes. With Dr. E. Marois and Dr. J. Marques.
Impact None yet.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Hypersialylated blockers of Zika virus (ZIKV) infectivity and neuropathology 
Organisation Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Arboviruses and reagents.
Collaborator Contribution Antibody fragments to be assessed for antiviral activities ( receptor binding, virus-binding etc.). With Professor R. Pleass (LSTM). Additional partner in award "The emergence of Zika virus in Brazil: investigating viral features and host responses to design preventive strategies". Supported by neural culture systems; obtained in collaboration with Professors C. Linington, H. Willison, J. Edgar, S. Barnett (University of Glasgow).
Impact Collaboration funded by Confidence in Concept grant "Hypersialylated blockers of Zika virus (ZIKV) infectivity and neuropathology" by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, as outlined in the relevant section. Key output is characterisation of cellular response in mixed CNS culture model to antibody treatment.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Hypersialylated blockers of Zika virus (ZIKV) infectivity and neuropathology 
Organisation University of Glasgow
Department Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Arboviruses and reagents.
Collaborator Contribution Antibody fragments to be assessed for antiviral activities ( receptor binding, virus-binding etc.). With Professor R. Pleass (LSTM). Additional partner in award "The emergence of Zika virus in Brazil: investigating viral features and host responses to design preventive strategies". Supported by neural culture systems; obtained in collaboration with Professors C. Linington, H. Willison, J. Edgar, S. Barnett (University of Glasgow).
Impact Collaboration funded by Confidence in Concept grant "Hypersialylated blockers of Zika virus (ZIKV) infectivity and neuropathology" by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, as outlined in the relevant section. Key output is characterisation of cellular response in mixed CNS culture model to antibody treatment.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Infectious clones of Zika virus 
Organisation University of Tartu
Department Institute of Technology
Country Estonia 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Design and testing of recombinant Zika virus (produced from infectious clones obtained from the collaborator) in arthropod systems (cells, live organisms).
Collaborator Contribution Design and cloning of Zika virus for reverse genetics purposes. With Professor A. Merits.
Impact Assessment and use of Zika virus infectious clones.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Infectious clones of alphaviruses 
Organisation University of Tartu
Department Institute of Technology
Country Estonia 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Use of these viruses across host systems for replication/immunity/virus-host interaction assays. Contribution to design, cloning and production of alphavirus infectious clones and replicons; including mutant viruses, viruses expressing reporter and other genes/tags or RNA sequences.
Collaborator Contribution Design, cloning and production of alphavirus infectious clones and replicons; viruses expressing reporter and other genes/tags. With Professor A. Merits.
Impact This collaboration has generated a large collection of alphavirus infectious clones and replicons.
Start Year 2006
 
Description Infravec-2 
Organisation European Commission
Country European Union (EU) 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution This EU Horizon 2020 consortium aims to improve research infrastructures for vector biology; these can be facilities as well as reagents, protocols etc for the community. We are engaged in work package 1 to improve tools for genetic modification of Aedes aegypti (Dr E. Pondeville). Professor A. Kohl leads work package 2, to standardise infection protocols for: Plasmodium infection of Anopheles ssp mosquitoes; arbovirus infections of Aedes aegypti; Leishmania or phlebovirus infections of sandflies. We are also developing a reverse genetic system for Toscana bunyavirus in the framework of work package 1. In work package 4, Kohl also leads task 4.1 dealing with developing harmonized operational and governance standards for European secure insectaries. As part of transnational activities we can also provide specific biolgical materials/services to end users.
Collaborator Contribution Work packages aim towards standardisation of protocols and reagents/generation of new reagents for the vector biology community, and transnational activities to provide services and reagents for the same target group.
Impact Deliverables as planned over the course of the project. Reverse genetics system for Toscana virus has developed as a key contribution.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Insect immune responses to Rift Valley fever virus 
Organisation University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Innate immunity expertise; reagents; experimental design and data evaluation.
Collaborator Contribution Arthropod biology and innate immunity expertise; in vivo infection systems; experimental design and data evaluation. With Dr S. Becker; initially BNITM then TiHO.
Impact Innate immunity data for Rift Valley fever virus infection across multiple insect systems.
Start Year 2012
 
Description Investigations into Rift Valley fever virus NSs protein interactions with host cell signalling and transcription 
Organisation King Saud University
Country Saudi Arabia 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Expertise in arbovirus-cell interactions.
Collaborator Contribution Expertise, reagents, experimental work, field work. With Professor S. Eifan.
Impact None yet.
Start Year 2020
 
Description Louping ill virus 
Organisation Moredun Research Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Innate immunity assay systems; molecular virology expertise; experimental design and data evaluation; supervision of PhD student.
Collaborator Contribution Expertise in virus genomics and evolution; experimental design and data evaluation. With Dr R. Biek; viral material from infected animals by Dr C. McInnes, the Moredun Institute; supervision of PhD student.
Impact Novel sequence information on louping ill virus allowing to trace evolutionary history; reverse genetics system for louping ill virus; characterisation of interferon antagonism of louping ill virus and possible impact on tropism.
Start Year 2014
 
Description Louping ill virus 
Organisation University of Glasgow
Department Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Innate immunity assay systems; molecular virology expertise; experimental design and data evaluation; supervision of PhD student.
Collaborator Contribution Expertise in virus genomics and evolution; experimental design and data evaluation. With Dr R. Biek; viral material from infected animals by Dr C. McInnes, the Moredun Institute; supervision of PhD student.
Impact Novel sequence information on louping ill virus allowing to trace evolutionary history; reverse genetics system for louping ill virus; characterisation of interferon antagonism of louping ill virus and possible impact on tropism.
Start Year 2014
 
Description Mosquito-arbovirus interactions 
Organisation Pasteur Institute, Paris
Country France 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Arboviruses and innate immunity expertise; experimental design and data evaluation.
Collaborator Contribution Mosquito infection systems; experimental design and data evaluation. With Professor Anna-Bella Failloux.
Impact Key interactions also within RiftVectors as well as EU Horizon 2020 Zikalliance and Infravec-2 consortia through taking lead of work packages and tasks given our combined expertise in the field at European level. Exchange of expertise and data on arbovirus-vector interactions.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Phlebovirus reverse genetics 
Organisation Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 (UCBL)
Country France 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Development and testing of Toscana virus reverse genetics; antibody development; cell lines; experimental design and data evaluation. Development and testing of Rift Valley fever virus reverse genetics; antibody development; experimental design and data evaluation.
Collaborator Contribution Development and testing of phlebovirus virus reverse genetics (Toscana virus, Rift Valley fever virus); virus isolates; experimental design and data evaluation. With Dr F. Arnaud and Dr M. Ratinier.
Impact Toscana virus antibodies have been produced and assessed; reverse genetics system for this virus has been developed in collaboration. Moreover molecular tools for studies of Rift Valley fever virus were developed. This interaction is formalised following association of collaborators with the partners Infravec-2 as partners for Toscana virus related work.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Proteomic investigations of Zika virus infection 
Organisation University of Glasgow
Department Polyomics Facility
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Experimental design and data analysis; reagents; laboratory space and support for Professor Carolina Ramírez Santana (visiting Professor, Universidad de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Colombia).
Collaborator Contribution Experimental design and data analysis; reagents for proteomics; laboratory space, support and Newton Fund support for hosting Professor Carolina Ramírez Santana (visiting Professor, Universidad de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Colombia). Lead collaborator at the University of Glasgow is Dr R. Burchmore.
Impact Interaction data of cellular proteins with Zika virus E protein; one E-interacting partner is being further investigated for functional and mechanistic relevance.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Recombination in Zika virus 
Organisation University of St Andrews
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Zika virus reagents and assays; experimental design. Hosting of PhD student from the University of St. Andrews and provision of training.
Collaborator Contribution Viral recombination assays. With Professor D. Evans, and involves one PhD student.
Impact Training of PhD student at CVR in techniques for working with Zika virus. Zika sequencing variants resulting from likely recombination events were recreated by reverse genetics.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Role of RNA binding proteins in arbovirus infection 
Organisation University of Glasgow
Department MRC - University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Arbovirus expertise and reagents.
Collaborator Contribution RNA binding protein expertise, technology and reagents. With Professor A. Castello.
Impact None yet.
Start Year 2021
 
Description Roles of interferons and RNA binding proteins in Rift Valley fever virus infection of vertebrate cells: Industrial Partnership Project PhD project 
Organisation The Pirbright Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Rift Valley fever virus reagents and expertise.
Collaborator Contribution Rift Valley fever virus reagents and expertise. With Dr. I. Dietrich (The Pirbright Institute). Interferons and expertise. With ILC Therapeutics.
Impact This collaborative effort supports a Industrial Partnership Project PhD project, funded by The Pirbright Institute (contribution £51k) , the University of Glasgow (contribution £56k), and ILC therapeutics (contribution £4500 plus in kind contribution of reagents).
Start Year 2022
 
Description SFTSV vaccinology 
Organisation University of Pittsburgh
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Expertise in SFSTV-host interactions and reverse genetics.
Collaborator Contribution Design of novel infectious clones for pathogenesis studies and new vaccination targets and tools. With Professor P. Duprex. Additional partner in award "Vaccines and molecular tools for the control of the emerging bunyavirus, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome phlebovirus (SFTSV)".
Impact None yet.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Salmonella-Zika vaccine platform 
Organisation Newcastle University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Experimental design; provision of reagents.
Collaborator Contribution Production of recombinant Salmonella to express Zika virus structural proteins as vaccine candidate. With Dr A. Khan.
Impact Expression system for Zika virus E protein produced. Vaccination studies with the Samonella system were not successful.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV)-host interactions 
Organisation University of Glasgow
Department MRC - University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Study design and advice; co-hosting of post-doctoral researcher at CVR for training. With Dr B. Brennan.
Collaborator Contribution NIH Tokyo, Japan: reagents, advice and study design. With Dr T. Suzuki.
Impact Training of post-doctoral researcher from NIH Japan, Tokyo at CVR in techniques relating to molecular biology of SFTSV and virus-host interactions.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Studies on vector-borne emerging and re-emerging viral diseases of humans and animals in selected areas of Afar Region, Northeast Ethiopia 
Organisation Addis Ababa University
Country Ethiopia 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Arbovirology and technical expertise (virus discovery and characterisation, sequencing etc.). With Professor E. Thomson.
Collaborator Contribution Arbovirus epidemiology and vector biology in Northern Ethiopia. With Dr M. Legesse.
Impact None yet.
Start Year 2021
 
Description The distribution of the Rift Valley fever virus vectors in nature and vectorial competence in Saudi Arabia 
Organisation King Saud University
Country Saudi Arabia 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Expertise in arbovirology and vector biology.
Collaborator Contribution Expertise, reagents, experimental work, field work. With Professor S. Eifan.
Impact Data on the distribution of Rift Valley fever virus vectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Start Year 2020
 
Description UKRI BBSRC MRC Cross-Council Synergy in Understanding Vector Borne and Zoonotic Viral Disease 
Organisation The Pirbright Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Development of Rift Valley fever virus reverse genetics and expertise on Wolbachia endosymbionts. With Dr B. Brennan, Professor S. Sinkins.
Collaborator Contribution Mosquito host factor screening systems. With Professor L. Alphey, Dr. I. Dietrich, Dr. K. Maringer.
Impact Novel reverse genetics system for Rift Valley fever virus, and anti N antibodies to complement the toolkit for this pathogen.
Start Year 2022
 
Description UKRI Defra One health approach to vector borne diseases 
Organisation Animal and Plant Health Agency
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Flavivirus molecular biology and animal model expertise. With Dr. B. Brennan.
Collaborator Contribution Expertise in tick biology and serology. With Dr. N. Johnson (APHA project lead), Professor J. Daly.
Impact None yet.
Start Year 2023
 
Description UKRI Defra One health approach to vector borne diseases 
Organisation University of Nottingham
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Flavivirus molecular biology and animal model expertise. With Dr. B. Brennan.
Collaborator Contribution Expertise in tick biology and serology. With Dr. N. Johnson (APHA project lead), Professor J. Daly.
Impact None yet.
Start Year 2023
 
Description Vaccines and molecular tools for the control of the emerging bunyavirus, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) 
Organisation Chinese Academy of Sciences
Department Beijing Institutes of Life Science Chinese Academy of Sciences
Country China 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution SFSTV virological tools and reverse genetics (including generation of recombinant viruses); study design; in vivo studies on pathogenesis and vaccination. This interaction is based on the award "Vaccines and molecular tools for the control of the emerging bunyavirus, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV)". Led by Professor A. Kohl, with Professors A. Patel and Willett, and Dr B. Brennan (MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research) as well as Dr M. Pingen (University of Glasgow) supporting the project.
Collaborator Contribution Patient sera, antibodies and reagents, assays, generation of recombinant viruses. With Professors Y. Wu and G. F. Gao ; BIOLS is based in the ODA recipient partner country China. Original partner in award "Vaccines and molecular tools for the control of the emerging bunyavirus, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome phlebovirus (SFTSV)".
Impact Training in SFTSV reverse genetics and transfer of material to partner BIOLS in China (ODA recipient country); generation of SFTSV expressing reporter gene for facilitation of neutralisation assay read out and other recombinant SFSTV at BIOLS; generation of monoclonal antibody escape mutant at BIOLS (with the mutant virus engineered at MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research -CVR- for testing); pathogenesis studies and work on suitability of SFTSVdelNSs or virus-like particles as vaccine candidates at CVR; generation of antibodies at CVR; identification of IL-6 as potential therapeutic target.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Vaccines and molecular tools for the control of the emerging bunyavirus, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) 
Organisation University of Glasgow
Department Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution SFSTV virological tools and reverse genetics (including generation of recombinant viruses); study design; in vivo studies on pathogenesis and vaccination. This interaction is based on the award "Vaccines and molecular tools for the control of the emerging bunyavirus, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV)". Led by Professor A. Kohl, with Professors A. Patel and Willett, and Dr B. Brennan (MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research) as well as Dr M. Pingen (University of Glasgow) supporting the project.
Collaborator Contribution Patient sera, antibodies and reagents, assays, generation of recombinant viruses. With Professors Y. Wu and G. F. Gao ; BIOLS is based in the ODA recipient partner country China. Original partner in award "Vaccines and molecular tools for the control of the emerging bunyavirus, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome phlebovirus (SFTSV)".
Impact Training in SFTSV reverse genetics and transfer of material to partner BIOLS in China (ODA recipient country); generation of SFTSV expressing reporter gene for facilitation of neutralisation assay read out and other recombinant SFSTV at BIOLS; generation of monoclonal antibody escape mutant at BIOLS (with the mutant virus engineered at MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research -CVR- for testing); pathogenesis studies and work on suitability of SFTSVdelNSs or virus-like particles as vaccine candidates at CVR; generation of antibodies at CVR; identification of IL-6 as potential therapeutic target.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Vector genetics and innate immunity 
Organisation Pasteur Institute, Paris
Country France 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Viral and RNAi assays/immunity studies in mosquito cells.
Collaborator Contribution Sequences of immune genes from aedine mosquitoes; genetically modified mosquitoes. With Dr L. Lambrechts.
Impact Novel Dicer2 variants/sequences from Aedes aegypti; data on Dicer2 mutations and activities.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Virus discovery and characterisation in Uganda 
Organisation Uganda Virus Research Institute
Country Uganda 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Support with study set up and data analysis. Involved in supervision of UVRI-based, Makerere University PhD student with Professor E. Thomson.
Collaborator Contribution Field work (vector biology), RNA sequencing and analysis. With Dr J. Lutwama and Mr. M. Mayanja.
Impact Novel viruses/virus sequences that are being further investigated; characterisation of local mosquito species.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Virus discovery and characterisation in Uganda 
Organisation University of Glasgow
Department MRC - University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Support with study set up and data analysis. Involved in supervision of UVRI-based, Makerere University PhD student with Professor E. Thomson.
Collaborator Contribution Field work (vector biology), RNA sequencing and analysis. With Dr J. Lutwama and Mr. M. Mayanja.
Impact Novel viruses/virus sequences that are being further investigated; characterisation of local mosquito species.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Wolbachia Wellcome Trust Project Grant 
Organisation Gulbenkian Institute of Science
Country Portugal 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We are co-invstigators on a Wellcome Trust grant financing research at CVR, University of Cambridge and Gulbenkian Institute for Science.
Collaborator Contribution We have responsibility for one part of the research project. One post-doctoral fellow is employed on the grant.
Impact Data on Wolbachia-SFV interactions and mechanisms of antiviral actions of the endosymbiont.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Wolbachia Wellcome Trust Project Grant 
Organisation University of Cambridge
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We are co-invstigators on a Wellcome Trust grant financing research at CVR, University of Cambridge and Gulbenkian Institute for Science.
Collaborator Contribution We have responsibility for one part of the research project. One post-doctoral fellow is employed on the grant.
Impact Data on Wolbachia-SFV interactions and mechanisms of antiviral actions of the endosymbiont.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Yellow fever virus design and antibody production 
Organisation University of Glasgow
Department MRC - University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Design of new yellow fever virus infectious clones.
Collaborator Contribution Development of expression systems for yellow fever structural proteins; immunisation; antibody production. With Professor A. Patel, Centre for Virus Research. Includes a jointly supervised PhD student on this topic since 2017.
Impact Yellow fever viruses specifically adapted for reporter assays to facilitate neutralisation assays.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Zika virus detection by the vertebrate innate immune system 
Organisation University of Oxford
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Provided biological material such as RNA from infected cells to collaborators; involved in experimental design and data analysis.
Collaborator Contribution Assays for innate immune pathway activation/viral RNA detection and inhibition of signalling pathways by Zika virus proteins. With Professor J. Rehwinkel.
Impact Improved understanding of Zika virus innate immune detection by the human innate immune system, and viral antagonism thereof. This is important to understand the pathogenesis of Zika infection.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Zika virus sfRNA and impact on the cellular transriptome 
Organisation University of Glasgow
Department MRC - University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Experiments with Zika virus sfRNA in immune pathway deficient cell lines; transcriptomics and data analysis carried out by CVR sequencing service and bionformatic support, respectively.
Collaborator Contribution Provision of various immune pathway deficient cell lines; testing of sfRNA impact on immune signalling (control experiments). With Professor J. McLauchlan.
Impact Cell line transcriptomes in presence or absence of Zika virus sfRNA.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Zika virus vaccine design and antibody production 
Organisation University of Glasgow
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Provision of Zika virus and derived material; experimental design.
Collaborator Contribution Development of expression systems for Zika virus structural proteins; immunisation and antibody development/neutralisation assays. With Professor A. Patel. Also included a jointly supervised PhD student on this topic.
Impact Antibodies and neutralisation assays for Zika virus; vaccine candidates.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Zika-virus host interactions: evolution and persistence 
Organisation École normale supérieure de Lyon (ENS Lyon)
Country France 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Exchange of reagents and data that relate to Zika virus evolution; data evaluation; experimental design.
Collaborator Contribution Testing of specific aspects of Zika virus evolution under pressure of the immune system. With Dr M. Dreux.
Impact Zika virus variant that escapes TL3-mediated innate immunity.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Zika: association studies with Guillain- Barré syndome and neurotropism 
Organisation University of Glasgow
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Zika viruses and virology expertise; experimental design and experiments involving infections; data evaluation and interpretation.
Collaborator Contribution Murine CNS and PNS cultures; neurobiology reagents; experimental design; data evaluation. With Professor H. Willison, Professor S. Barnett, Professor C. Linington and Dr J. Edgar through their ZIKAPlan and MRC-Wellcome Trust Zika Rapid Response funding.
Impact Improved understanding of Zika virus neurotropism, effect on target cells and robust cell culture based Zika virus infection system for CNS/PNS studies.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Zikalliance 
Organisation Zikalliance
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution In WP6, Vector Competence: Task 6.3 (Interactions between Zika virus and other flaviviruses) leader, with co-lead Professor A.-B. Failloux, Institut Pasteur (Paris, France). We are specifically studying in sub-task 6.3.2 mosquito immunity to Zika virus infection and a screen for mosquito cell factors affecting Zika virus replication.
Collaborator Contribution Zikalliance is a EU Horizon 2020 supported consortium and thus contributions by partners across work packages vary. Co-lead of task 6.3 is provided by Professor A.-B. Failloux. In sub-task 6.3.2 specifically co-infection systems (Zika virus and other arboviruses) are assessed by Professor E. Schnettler (BNITM, Germany).
Impact Information and new data on mosquito RNA interference responses to Zika virus were obtained which is important to understand interactions of this pathogen and Aedes aegypti cells.
Start Year 2016
 
Description aBravo functionality in mosquitoes 
Organisation The Pirbright Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution aBravo reagents and expertise.
Collaborator Contribution In vivo aBravo KO mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti). With Professor L. Alphey.
Impact None yet.
Start Year 2022
 
Description miRNA targeted arboviruses for vaccine design 
Organisation The Pirbright Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Design of miRNA containing Rift Valley fever and Semliki Forest viruses for mosquito infections.
Collaborator Contribution Production of miRNA target containing viruses, mosquito cell and mosquito infections. This collaboration began at the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh and continued at The Pirbright Institute with Professor John Fazakerley and Dr R. Fragkoudis through Ms Stacey Human's PhD thesis; Dr Fragkoudis continued the project.
Impact miRNA-targeted Semliki Forest viruses that showed differential replication in mosquito cells; miRNA-targeted Rift Valley fever viruses that remain to be fully characterised.
Start Year 2012
 
Description 03/08/2021 - What makes viruses tick project - The Conservation Volunteers Webinar - Alexandra Wilson, Ben Brennan and Andy Clarke 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact A webinar about ticks and tick borne disease awareness for the Conservation Volunteers staff, volunteers, partners and general public.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://youtu.be/QmDXZ-vtdpc
 
Description 04/03/2021 Alexandra Wilson - STEM Talk 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Talk to the Seniors (higher biology and advanced higher biology) about my PhD and research (using presentation)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description 04/08/2021 - CVR Flagship Video - Massimo Palmarini 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact CVR's main publicity video used for all advertising of CVR things
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://youtu.be/KEzc2RDGThA
 
Description 04/08/2021 - CVR Short - Tom Ant 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact CVR Short video discussing the work in Malaysia to fight against dengue
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://youtu.be/f3bBmmfK5l0
 
Description 04/08/2021 - CVR Short Video - Shivan Murdochy, Steph Rainey 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact CVR short video looking inside the insectaries at the CVR
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://youtu.be/XWe0o4-crN4
 
Description 05/03/2020 Alexandra Wilson STEM Breakfast 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Make and present a five minute presentation about current role and career path to the students, then take part in a Q&A where students ask questions (virtually). Session may be recorded to share the session with other GDST schools.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description 05/03/2021 Alexandra Wilson STEM careers talk 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact "Teacher will record an interview and ask questions; What is your job and where do you work? What does a normal day look like in your job? What do you love most about your job? What inspired you to follow a career in STEM? What's the best career decision you've ever made? What level of education is required for this career? If you need A Levels, which A Levels did you take? What other skills do you need for your job? What do you think are the secrets behind getting to where you've got to? What advice would you give to our students who are thinking of a potential career in a STEM based role?
"
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description 05/08/2021 - What makes viruses tick project - STV News appearance - Ben Brennan, Alexandra Wilson and Andy Clarke 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact STV News feature about the importance of tick safety across scotland during the summer months and advertising our citizen science platform so that people get in touch if they've been bitten by a tick.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://news.stv.tv/scotland/scientists-call-for-publics-help-to-discover-more-about-ticks
 
Description 05/11/2021 - COP26 Twitter Campaign - Ben Brennan 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Twitter thread about climate change and ticks
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://twitter.com/CVRinfo/status/1456555493175013381
 
Description 09/08/2021 - What makes viruses tick project - Webinar with Blairvadach - Ben Brennan and Mazigh Fares 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact A webinar for the educational staff at the Blairvadach Outdoor Education Centre which hosts school groups from greater Glasgow and Clyde
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description 09/11/2021 - COP26 Twitter Campaign - Steven Sinkins 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Twitter thread about climate change and mosquitoes
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://twitter.com/CVRinfo/status/1458058247223529473
 
Description 11/01/2022 - What makes viruses tick project - Kelvin Probus webinar - Alexandra Wilson 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A webinar on ticks and tick borne disease in scotland and her PhD to the Kelvin Probus group.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL http://kelvinprobus.org/ticks/
 
Description 14/05/2021 - What makes viruses tick project - U3A Helensburgh Webinar - Alexandra Wilson 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A talk to a group of 30 retired people looking for life long learning at the U3A group in Helensburgh,.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description 18/01/2021 Daniel Streicker Conversation Article 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Daniel wrote a piece for The Conversation titled "Hepatitis D: how the virus made the jump from animals to humans"
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://theconversation.com/hepatitis-d-how-the-virus-made-the-jump-from-animals-to-humans-152458
 
Description 19/10/2021 - What makes viruses tick project - TikTok video about washing ticks - Alexandra Wilson 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A video on TikTok about how we wash ticks in the lab went viral and received over 4.7 million views
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.tiktok.com/@tick_scientist/video/7020715095726542086?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lan...
 
Description 20/01/2022 - What makes viruses tick project - Webinar for UofG Retired Staff Group - Alexandra Wilson 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A talk about ticks and tickborne disease in scotland and about her research to the Uni of Glasgow Retired Staff Group
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description 21/05/2021 - What makes viruses tick project - Global Science Show livestream - Alexandra Wilson 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Alex took part in a 30 minute livestream on the Global Science Show which is promoted on twitter to talk about her research on ticks and the public engagement project
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description 22/01/2021 Alexandra Wilson - STEM Guess My Job 
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 Answer the questions with a picture in the powerpoint and on an answer sheet; What general STEM area you work in? e.g Science Engineering Technology Maths. What you wear to work? What equipment you use at work? What you do in your day to day role? What your work environment looks like? What is the best part of your job? What skills you need in your job? A picture of a famous person in your field. What do you like doing in your spare time/your interests? Anything else that might help the young people guess your job.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description 23/11/2020 Zeiss Blog 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Stephanie Rainey, Joanne Haney, Carol Leitch and Mila Rodriguez all wrote for a blog partnered and hosted my Zeiss Microscopy about how we use light microscopy at the CVR to study viruses.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://blogs.zeiss.com/microscopy/en/virology-light-microscopy/
 
Description 23rd Annual Glasgow Virology Workshop 10 February 2018 
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 The CVR hosted the 23rd Glasgow Virology Workshop (GVW) on Saturday the 10th of February (Sir Charles Wilson Building, University of Glasgow). This annual one day meeting aims to communicate the latest innovative science in the world of virology, and to promote interactions between scientists and a variety of stakeholders throughout the world. This meeting is an informal and welcoming one day event comprising a mix of presentations from both external and internal speakers, along with networking sessions. It is rounded off by an evening ceilidh to provide attendees with a more relaxed opportunity to engage with one another. The annual event attracts a wide age range of attendees (from undergraduate students through to healthcare professionals, members of the biotech industry to retired professors), providing an ideal opportunity to catch up with former colleagues, establish new collaborations, and listen to truly inspirational science.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description 24/03/2021 - What makes viruses tick project - CVR Insight Online Article - Ben Brennan, Mazigh Fares and Alex Wilson 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Three researchers contributed to a conversation which shapes a CVR Insight online article about the work of the team and the research they do at the CVR shared for tick bite prevention week
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.gla.ac.uk/researchinstitutes/iii/cvr/engage/news/cvrinsights/headline_801106_en.html
 
Description 24/03/2021 - What makes viruses tick project - Glasgow Science Centre Spark Magazine - Alexandra Wilson, Ben Brennan, Mazigh Fares and Andy Clarke 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A feature about the team and their research in the Glasgow Science Centre's community magazine "The Spark" which was distributed to over 6815 people across Glasgow and wider.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/sites/default/files/The-Spark/The%20Spark%20-%20Issue%2012%20-%...
 
Description 24/03/2021 - What makes viruses tick project - WalkHighlands Blog for Tick Bite Prevention week - Ben Brennan, Alex Wilson and Mazigh Fares 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A blog highlighting the work of the team and also how to remain tick safe when out and about in scotland for tick bite prevention week
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/news/tick-bites-how-to-prevent-and-deal-with-them/
 
Description 24th Annual Glasgow Virology Workshop June 2019 
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 The CVR hosted the 24th Glasgow Virology Workshop (GVW) on Friday VV June 2019 (Sir Charles Wilson Building, University of Glasgow). This annual one-day meeting aims to communicate the latest innovative science in the world of virology, and to promote interactions between scientists and a variety of stakeholders throughout the world. This meeting is an informal and welcoming one day event comprising a mix of presentations from both external and internal speakers, along with networking sessions. It is rounded off by an evening ceilidh to provide attendees with a more relaxed opportunity to engage with one another. The annual event attracts a wide age range of attendees (from undergraduate students through to healthcare professionals, members of the biotech industry to retired professors), providing an ideal opportunity to catch up with former colleagues, establish new collaborations, and listen to truly inspirational science.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description 3MT Glasgow - Rommel J. Gestuveo 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Rommel J. Gestuveo was a finalist in the University's 2019 3MT competition with his talk on: Zika virus: outsmarting the clever

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic competition for research students, challenging them to present their research to a non-specialist audience and giving them the opportunity to practice their public engagement skills.

Participants present their research verbally in just three minutes with related content presented on one PowerPoint slide. Heats take place in each of the four colleges and one winner and two runners-up from each of the four heats go through to the Grand Final. In their presentations, participants should explain:

What your research is about
How you intend to carry out your research
Why your research matters or/and who it affects.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/ourresearchenvironment/prs/pgrcoursesandevents/threeminutethesiscompe...
 
Description 4-12/09/2021 - What makes viruses tick project - Glasgow Science Festival in person delivery - Ben Brennan, Alexandra Wilson, Mazigh Fares and Andy Clarke 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Delivery of activities at the glasgow science festival as part of their event at the botanic gardens in Glasgow.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description 59th Annual GUVMA Rodeo 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact GUVMA's Annual Rodeo offers a day of fun and entertainment for the whole family, while supporting several charitable causes. CVR researchers took along various 'hands-on' activities to discuss the work of the CVR with visitors to the Garscube campus.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Alain Kohl - STV Interview 21 May 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact As an experimental vaccine for Ebola virus was launched in the Democratic Republic of the Congo today, CVR researchers provided expert opinion in the media. Alain Kohl was interviewed by STV news on 21 May 2018, while our new clinical lecturer in infectious diseases Janet Scott was interviewed by TVC Nigeria on the same day. CVR postdoc Connor Bamford also published an article in I News urging for an urgent approach to contain the latest outbreak.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description Alain Kohl STV Interview 21 May 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Following the resurgence of Ebola in the DRC, the CVR was approached to provide an expert to give an interview on STV evening news. Prof Alain Kohl agreed to take part. The clip is not available due to licence rights.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description Alex Wilson's Participation in Science Club 
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 Alex Wilson participated in Getting Better Together Science Club in the Shotts Healthy Living Centre.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Annual PCR Workshops September 2019 
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 Each year the CVR runs a series of 6 individual workshops for Higher Biology school pupils. Around 100 pupils attend each workshop and travel from schools throughout Scotland. The workshops are fully booked each year and run in collaboration with the Glasgow Science Centre and supported by Thermo Fisher. The workshops require the support of around 15-20 volunteers from the CVR and wider MVLS each year. The workshops provide pupils with experience and knowledge they would not normally receive until attending university.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description April 2018 - NCCPE Academy - Claire Donald 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact In April 2018 CVR postdoc Claire Donald applied for the NCCPE Academy for public engagement. This incentive was supported by funding from the MVLS to support travel and accommodation to allow Claire to attend a series of workshops intended to provide bespoke development for early career researchers with an interest in public engagement and possibly a future career in the field.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.publicengagement.ac.uk/
 
Description August 2016 - Dr Alain Kohl Interview Request BBC Radio Scotland 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Dr Alain Kohl was approached by a researcher working for BBC Radio Scotland with a request for an interview about the Zika virus outbreak. On this occasion, Alain was unable to take part in either a pre-recorded or a live interview.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description August 2016 - STV Zika Interview 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Following the announcement of cases of Zika virus being identified in Scotland, STV requested an interview with Alain Kohl and Claire Donald. A special report aired on the evening news programme.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description August 2016 - Zika Snakes and Ladders Activity Design 
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 In August 2016, Dr Claire Donald developed a new activity for use at events and exhibitions to support our aims to educate members of the public about the Zika virus in response to the high profile global outbreak. The game was designed from scratch, with a key focus on tone of voice and creative content to ensure it was tailored to our target audience (8 year old children).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description August 2017 - World Mosquito Day Blog post series 
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 In August 2017 we published one blog post a day over the course of a week to provide information about the research of 7 CVR researchers involved in mosquito-borne disease research. Each researcher was asked to provide copy and images for each post. Over the course of 7 days, we received 524 views/reads of our blog, demonstrating that a series of posts appeals and entices repeat following and engagement. Each blog post was shared on social media with an average minimum reach of 500 per post - http://cvr.academicblogs.co.uk/2017/08/
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description BBC reporter Ken MacDonald special report - October 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact In October 2018 the MRC press office arranged a visit and interview with BBC reporter Ken MacDonald. Alain Kohl, Claire Donald, Ben Brennan and Emilie Pondeville have been interviewed for a special feature about the mosquitoes and ticks that play a vital role in their research here in Glasgow. the story received coverage on BBC radio Scotland and aired on BBC Scotland television on 31 October - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-46032486?fbclid=IwAR3c0mhoBS1EA3XF5pxcDtO9pQOl4VYvCaJz85MYUeMDCEvqh2swzP-Y9ZI

This was an important opportunity to allow the CVR to share information about our centre out with a virus outbreak.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description Bacterial allies make dengue fever cases dive - BBC Online news Article - Professor Steven Sinkins 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Recruiting a bacterial ally that infects mosquitoes has led to huge reductions in cases of dengue fever, trials around the world show. BBC News online article
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-50487724
 
Description BatsGoViral Team with Glasgow Science Centre's Amplify Competition 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact BatsGoViral Team won Glasgow Science Centre's Amplify competition and will have their MVLS Research Exhibit built and displayed in GSC. They proposed an idea for a research exhibit and were shortlisted to work with GSC designers to design the potential exhibit. Megan Griffiths presented their proposal during the final and the judges chose their exhibit to be built and displayed.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://twitter.com/CVRinfo/status/1633790755528482816
 
Description Ben Brennan co-hosted online webinar with Lyme Disease UK. 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Ben hosted an online webinar in partnership with Lyme Disease UK, titled "Tick-borne pathogens: a rising concern in Scotland". Part of the What Makes Viruses Tick? project.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Blog "The tropics of Glasgow: Working in an insectary"-MRC World Mosquito Day- Pondeville 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Blog "The tropics of Glasgow: Working in an insectary" by Dr Emilie Pondeville.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Brownie, Guide, Scout and Rainbow Workshops - Nov 2017 - present (2019) 
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 CVR postdoc Claire Donald, Sara Elg (former CVR Research Technician) and CVR Store Manager Michelle Pearson have all had a pre-existing and long-standing relationships, supporting local guide groups in their spare time. Claire was approached by one of the Guide groups in the Fife area and was asked to run an evening of science activities for the group.

The following is an evaluation report created by Claire Donald following the initial event:

'Exhibition Details:
The initial night at the 1st Cairneyhill Guides consisted of 4 outreach activities. The girls were split into groups of 4/5 and rotated around each activity spending approximately 10mins at each one. The activities included 'Build a Virus' (with Zika, HCV and Ebola model options), origami viruses, jelly cells and pages from the CVR colouring book. There was adequate space for each of the activities and knowing the exact number of people attending allowed us to be fully prepared with ample materials, the number of volunteers who went along as well as being able to anticipate what level we needed to pitch at. Both volunteers were experienced and able to handle the questions posed. Overall the event was a very positive experience for our researchers and got a good response from the girls involved.

Stand visitors:
The evening was held at the Guide meeting place (Cairneyhill Scout Hall) and was organised into 4 stands. The maned activities were Build a Virus and the jelly cells while the origami viruses and colouring sheets were supervised by the Guiders. After 10mins at the activity, the groups rotated so everyone got a chance to try each activity. The girls were between 10-14 years old although most were around 11-12. The guide unit posted pictures on their Facebook page whilst we were there and the CVR tweeted after the event.

Feedback:
We used a sticker ratings chart in order to assess the impact of participation as a positive learning experience for all the Guides involved. We received positive feedback throughout the session but we were also able to glean interesting insights into their perception of viruses and infection. Having set numbers at each table for a set time allowed us to control what we said so that everyone at the table could get as much from the experience as possible.

All of the activities were well received as evidenced by the feedback sticker sheet we gave the girls. The girls were very engaged with the researchers and asked excellent questions. Many already had a bit of science background from parents etc and were keen to get involved in all the activities. We passed our contact details onto the Guiders in charge and allowed them to pass them on to other interested units. We had a response the next day from another guide unit keen to have us along!'

Project development
Following the success of this initial event, further requests for sessions with different groups began to be directed to Claire and Michelle from across the wider Glasgow area and Fife. As word continued to spread, this began to extend to Scout groups and then to Rainbows. In total, CVR researchers volunteered to run a total of 22 workshops varying in size range from 1 February - 29 November 2018. We estimate that we have reached an audience of approximately just over 550 young people between the 4 - 18 age range, plus a minimum of 42 youth group leaders aged >18.

In total 6 CVR researchers, 4 UofG undergraduate students and a member of UofG library staff were involved in running the 22 sessions.

Learnings/activity development
Following an initial session with a Rainbow group, it became apparent that more suitable activities were required to hold the attention of this younger age group. This offered a development opportunity for Claire and Michelle who went on to devise and develop two new activities - one involving making handmade soap to encourage discussion around the spread of viruses and one involving UV glow powder and torches, again to promote discussion around hand hygiene. Both activities proved to be incredibly popular with the younger age groups but were found to be equally useful for slightly older children.

As the number of activities continued to increase, the programme of confirmed events was shared with the UofG public engagement forum to ask for support and involvement across the wider university. This led to a member of staff from the university library becoming involved in supporting the sessions.

Evaluation summary
A mix of methods were used to evaluate the sessions. Simple sticker charts and post it notes were used to collect thoughts from the youth groups. CVR researchers also asked question about their interest in science both at the start and end of sessions verbally. Verbal feedback was also obtained from the group leaders. We also monitored social media activity by the group leaders and given the number of requests for a high number of sessions, we took this as very positive feedback taking what was initially a single workshop to a total of 22 events.

Follow-up activity
Longer term, CVR researchers intend to continue the sustainability of this project by making teaching resources for activities available on the CVR Public Engagement webpages as well as running a session for group leaders in 2019 to provide education on running sessions for future groups.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017,2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description Brownie, Guide, Scout and Rainbow Workshops - Nov 2017 - present (2020) 
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 CVR postdoc Claire Donald, Sara Elg (former CVR Research Technician) and CVR Store Manager Michelle Pearson have all had a pre-existing and long-standing relationships, supporting local guide groups in their spare time. Since 2017 they have delivered hands-on activities to a large number of brownie, guide, scout and rainbow groups in Scotland. Follow-up activity Longer term, CVR researchers intend to continue the sustainability of this project by making teaching resources for activities available on the CVR Public Engagement webpages.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description CVR Coffee Mornings 
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 We have been holding monthly coffee mornings for staff and students within our social space since 2017 to offer an informal opportunity for people working across the centre to meet and network. The events are regularly attended by 50-70 people each time with attendance continuing to grow. Staff and students have provided positive feedback about this opportunity to meet with one another and make use of it as a chance to discuss work related matters or simply to make new connections.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description CVR Stoker Award 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Every year, CVR early career scientists nominate and vote for an established, outstanding virologist who has made a significant contribution to their field. In 2019 CVR early career researchers presented the award to Professor Ann Palmenberg - plus podcast
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Cafe Scientifique Ecossais- Pondeville 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Presentation: "Les moustiques ne sont-ils que des seringues qui transportent des pathogènes?" for french speakers in Scotlandm by Dr Emilie Pondeville.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Cafe Scientifique- Donald 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Presentation by Dr Claire Louisa Donald.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Case Study video for Queens Anniversary Prize 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Case Study video filmed by FoSho Studios and funded by UofG Communications. Use of Wolbachia infected mosquitoes to control dengue infection
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://youtu.be/uq5RjWCOMzE
 
Description Claire Donald - I'm a Scientist June 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Postdoc Claire Donald applied and was accepted to participate in the MRC I'm a Scientist competition as part of the MRC Festival 2018. Claire formed part of a panel of scientists who would spend 1 hour per day logged into an online forum where they would answer questions from school pupils from schools across the UK. Ultimately, pupils were asked to vote for an overall winner based on the scientist they believed had provided the best responses.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description Claire Donald - Pint of Science - 26 April 2018 
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 Claire Donald (postdoc) delivered a talk about Zika virus at the 2018 Pint of Science Event in Glasgow. The theme of the evening was 'From viruses to deadly fungi and 'Novel ways to control parasites from poo',
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description December 2016 - Dr Claire Donald Cafe Scientifique 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact In December 2016 Dr Claire Donald gave a presentation about her research on the zika virus for a Glasgow Café Scientifique evening. The presentation was followed by a Q&A and attended by around 50 people.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description December 2016 - Dr Claire Donald Cafe Scientifique 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Dr Claire Donald gave a presentation on arboviruses and zika virus research at a Cafe Scientifique event held in Glasgow on 5 December 2016. This is a popular event attended by general members of the public every week.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL http://www.cafescientifique.org
 
Description December 2017 - CVR Public Engagement Awards 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact In December 2017 we presented 10 researchers involved in public engagement activity across the centre to recognise their efforts during the Christmas staff meeting as part of our commitment to reward and recognition. Recipients offered very positive feedback and were delighted to have their efforts recognised in front of their peers.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016,2017
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description December 2017 - MVLS College Public Engagement Awards 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact In December 2017 the CVR was shortlisted in 4 separate categories for the MVLS College Public Engagement Awards. The shortlisted activities and initiatives included - Art Goes Viral (CVR colouring book), Contagious Thinking (the CVR digital media team) and the annual PCR workshops. All nominated as examples of high quality and inventive public engagement initiatives. CVR postdoc Claire Donald was also nominated as an Ambassador for Public Engagement. We were successful in receiving a team award for Art Goes Viral with a personal award going to Claire Donald. We shared our success on social media both on the CVR accounts as well as individual staff and students accounts.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description December 2017 - Stephanie Cumberworth Interview 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact In December 2017 CVR PhD student Stephanie Cumberworth was interviewed and filmed for a short clip to help share her research and experience of doing a PHD at the CVR. The clip was shared on the CVR Facebook and Twitter page and used as an opportunity to promote the CVR PhD programme 2018. Stephanie found the experience positive from a development point of view and the film has been viewed 68 times on youtube.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description Dr Alain Kohl - Brazilian Media Coverage February 2016 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Following an interview by a Brazil based journalist, Dr Alain Kohl featured in an article providing commentary on the zika virus outbreak. The article was picked up and shared on a number of media outlets and social media networks:

http://www.agenciasinc.es/Reportajes/Brasil-en-alerta-por-los-miles-de-bebes-nacidos-con-microcefalia
http://www.larazon.es/atusalud/salud/brasil-en-alerta-por-los-miles-de-bebes-con-microcefalia-AO11689393#.Ttt1O5CEhFNOLDW
http://www.cienciaxplora.com/divulgacion/zika-virus-que-alarma-brasil-miles-bebes-nacidos-microcefalia_2016011400112.html
http://noticiasdelaciencia.com/not/17781/brasil-en-alerta-por-los-miles-de-bebes-nacidos-con-microcefalia-/es/
http://www.panamaon.com/noticias/internacional/2049-brasil-se-enfrenta-al-virus-del-zika-que-puede-haber-causado-microcefalia-a-miles-de-bebes.html
http://www.informativos.net/salud/alerta-en-brasil-por-los-miles-de-bebes-nacidos-con-microcefalia_55010.aspx
http://www.oei.es/divulgacioncientifica/?Brasil-en-alerta-por-los-miles-de-bebes-nacidos-con-microcefalia
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012,2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description Dr Alain Kohl - JBC Paper Press Release February 2016 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Dr Alain Kohl was asked to provide information and commentary for a press release issued by the University of Nottingham's Communications team. This is an example of the CVR's approach to working in partnership and sharing information with other centres and University Communications channels.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Dr Alain Kohl - Science and Technology Parliamentary Committee - February 2016 
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 Dr Alain Kohl was requested to submit evidence for a parliamentary select committee related to the zika virus outbreak. the evidence was intended to influence the Parliament's response to the International crisis. The transcript can be viewed here. http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/science-and-technology-committee/zika-virus/oral/28805.html
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012,2016
URL http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/science-and-technol...
 
Description Dr Alain Kohl - Zika Virus Task Force February 2016 
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 Dr Alain Kohl has been asked to join a task force of experts to provide advice and set out actions to help fight the Zika virus outbreak. Dr Kohl's recommendation will influence the steps taken for the management of the outbreak.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Dr Claire Donald Global Health Careers Event 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact Dr Claire Donald gave a presentation on 21 March 2017 as part of the Global Health Careers - Working Internationally Event. Claire gave a talk about her line of work in research and discussed the route she took in terms of education and training. Information about the event and Claire's presentation was included in the GHCE newsletter and circulated to the GHC network and event attendees.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description Dr Emilie Pondeville featured in the 'Stylist' 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Work/Life is Stylist's regular column about the professional routines of successful women. Here, Dr Emilie Pondeville talks us through her one-day diary, from morning latte to lights out.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/careers/dr-emilie-pondeville-glasgow-zika-virus-malaria-science-women...
 
Description Ebola crisis- Kohl 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact TV interview (STV) on Ebola crisis.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Engagement activities with children and uniformed organisations/girl guide groups- Donald 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Dr Claire Louisa Donald has been involved in activities such as engagement with girl guide groups/uniformed organisations, and other events for kids. The CVR keeps a complete list of these events; this is just briefly mentioned here for completeness.

For her involvement in, and organisation of public enactivities Dr Donald was awarded an Engagement Award from the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences of the University of Glasgow in "recognition of a demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to public engagement and the contribution this has made towards helping the college communicate its research with those outside academia" in 2017.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017,2018
 
Description February 2017 - Infravec2 Press Release - Alain Kohl 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Infravec2 press release - as a joint collaboration between the CVR, University of Glasgow press team and the Institut Pasteur, a press release was circulated to highlight the launch of Infravec2; an EU Commission project aimed at improving European infrastructures for the research of mosquitoes. https://infravec2.eu/news-about-the-infravec2-project/ The release was not circulated by the University press team, but the article appeared online and was shared on our facebook and twitter pages.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description February 2017 - Launch of Intravec2 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Infravec2 - a new European Commission 10M€ effort to fight mosquito-transmitted diseases - was officially launched via a press release in February 2017. The project, in which CVR scientists Emilie Pondeville and Alain Kohl participate, is funded by the Commission's Horizon 2020 Research Infrastructure Program, will improve the European large-scale facilities (infrastructures) for research on mosquitoes and other insects (vectors) that carry human and animal diseases, and will promote sharing of the facilities by European researchers. The CVR will make a vital contribution by providing access to our state-of-the-art facilities and in leading standardisation efforts to ensure better reproducibility. Read the full press release here:
https://infravec2.eu/news-about-the-infravec2-project/
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description February 2018 - Stephanie Rainey - Daliy Record Interview 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Following an interview with ITN News at Ten postdoc Stephanie Rainey was asked to take part in an interview for the Daily Record. the purpose of the interview was to share information about the work of the CVR and to inspire young people about the opportunities for a successful career in science in Glasgow. The article was shared in print, online and on our social media channels with 32 likes and a reach of over 400 on Facebook.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description First International Workshop on Zika Virus, Fiocruz Recife, Northeast Brazil, March 2016 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact This workshop brought together scientists and clinicians at the start of the Zika virus outbreak in Recife, Brazil. The event also included the participants in this collaboration between MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research and Fiocruz Recife, Brazil (Drs Alain Kohl, Lindomar J. Pena and Rafael Freitas de Oliveira Franca). It covered topics from arboviruses/Zika/vaccines, virus-vector interactions, clinical aspects to diagnostics that were relevant to the outbreak. While primarily aimed at an academic audience, presence of media and politicians was noted. Over 600 participants and live web streaming received over 4000 accessions from 26 countries indicate relevance, success and reach of this event.
Importantly, this was held in the ODA recipient partner country.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0004760
 
Description Garscube Rodeo 16 April 2018 
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 CVR Attendees:

Claire Donald (Research Associate)
Sara Elg (Research Technician)
Michelle Pearson (CVR Stores Manager)
Margus Varjak (Research Associate)
Betty Lau (Research Assistant)
Emma Duncan (UofG Undergraduate)
Hannah (UofG Undergraduate)

Exhibition Details:

The CVR arranged for a stand at the 2018 rodeo and brought along our 'Build a Virus' (with Zika, HCV and Ebola model options) activity. There was a steady stream of people throughout the day, most of whom seemed to enjoy it.

We had a good ratio of researchers who were experienced with the activity and those who were doing it for the first time. The number of volunteers was optimal for the number of visitors we had throughout the day. Everyone was busy but were able to take time for breaks throughout the day. Overall the event overall was a very positive experience for our researchers and a good opportunity for students to gain PE experience in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. It was also a good opportunity to engage with children who would not necessarily get the chance to attend a more formal science outreach event.

Stand visitors:
The stand was consistently busy throughout the 6-hour session with around 90 children plus adult guardians stopping by to try out the activity. We monitored the number of stall visitors we had by counting the number of bags we gave out and we predict that they spent approximately 10 minutes at a time at the stand, providing good opportunities for conversation, questions and discussion. Most of the children were primary school age (5-12 years old).

Feedback:
We used a sticker rating chart in order to assess the impact of participation as a positive learning experience from the children involved. We received positive feedback throughout the session but we were also able to glean interesting insights into the public perception of viruses. Some people commented that it was nice to have such a stall in amongst the other charity stands to give the children something to occupy them. One parent asked if we did school visits as her son's school would be interested in something like our activity.
Follow-up:

This was the first time we had attended the Rodeo and it was very successful. The activity was well received. We were well prepared for the volume of people we would have at the stand and had ample supplies with us. Unfortunately, we did not have access to enough t-shirts to hand out to all of the volunteers making it difficult for people to recognise who we were however we used the CVR printed lab coats instead which were very recognisable. It was felt that this stand was useful as it allowed us to do science outreach on our doorstep and would appeal to people who would not come along to a large science festival. A number of stall visitors asked if we had a collection tin so if the CVR returned in subsequent years we could maybe provide a charity tin to raise money for a chosen cause.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description Glasgow Science Festival - Bugs in the pub - MicroTALK "The journey of an arbovirus inside a mosquito"- Pondeville 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Participation in Glasgow Science Festival, Bugs in the pub MicroTALK "The journey of an arbovirus inside a mosquito" by Dr Emilie Pondeville.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Glasgow Science Festival Science Sunday - June 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact CVR researchers took a range of popular activities (build a virus, glovebox chamber game and Biolegomatics along to the Science Sunday event as part of the Glasgow Science Festival. 10 researchers from the CVR volunteered for the event and they estimated that they interacted with around 200 people over the course of the day. The activity was also supported by social media activity. MP Patrick Grady also made a point of visiting the stand to try an activity, take a photograph and tweet about the day. Stand visitors tend to have a keen interest in science but it is an opportunity for families to have a fun day out and learn something new.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://twitter.com/CVRinfo/with_replies
 
Description Glasgow Science Festival Science Sunday 10 June 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact CVR researchers took a range of popular activities (build a virus and glovebox chamber game) along to the science Sunday event as part of the Glasgow Science Festival. They used this as an opportunity to trial a new activity called Biolegomatics. 11 researchers from the CVR volunteered for the event and they estimated that they interacted with around 200 people over the course of the day. The activity was also supported by social media activity. MP Patrick Grady also made a point of visiting the stand to try an activity, take a photograph and tweet about the day. Stand visitors tend to have a keen interest in science but it is an opportunity for families to have a fun day out and learn something new.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description Hollie French on Global Science Show 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Hollie chatted with Sam Langford about her work around Vampire Bats in Costa Rica, what her typical day might look like and why she started working in disease surveillance.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://twitter.com/GlobalSciShow/status/1588222061839020033
 
Description International Women's Day 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Twitter celebration of International Women's Day highlighting that only female mosquitoes bite, but to study arboviruses we need both male and female mosquitoes for successful colonies.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://twitter.com/CVRinfo/status/1103948966604038144
 
Description Introducing Megan Griffiths (CVR Shorts Publications video): Transmissible vaccines for vampire bat rabies 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact CVR Shorts video discussing Megans PhD project about transmissible vaccines. Part of video series introducing the BatsGoViral project team.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84MK-QY1HEQ
 
Description January 2017 - CVR PhD Student Blog Post 
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 In January 2017 3 of our PhD students Yasmin Parr, Stephanie Cumberworth and Weronika Witkowska produced a blog post to share information about their work at the CVR. The post reached over 600 people on social media.
http://cvr.academicblogs.co.uk/meet-some-of-our-new-contributors-1/
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description Jo Swinson MP visits the CVR 25 September 2018 
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 Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Following the official opening of the Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging, Jo Swinson MP accepted an invitation to visit the CVR to learn about the centre. Jo was offered an overview of our research and given a tour of the new imaging centre along with our insectaries while meeting a number of our researchers across different career levels. Jo tweeted about her visit and sent on a handwritten note to express her appreciation and interest.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description Joanne Haney's press release and media interview for research paper 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Interviewed by Linda Geddes who wrote about Jo's research in this article titled 'Coinfection by influenza A virus and respiratory syncytial virus produces hybrid virus particles' in Nature Microbiology.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/oct/24/immune-system-evading-hybrid-virus-observed-for-firs...
 
Description July 2016 - Dr Alain Kohl is interviewed for an article in Newton Fund Magazine 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Dr Alain Kohl is interviewed for an article in Newton Fund Magazine about his Newton fund research project. As a result, the MRC press office got back in touch with Dr Kohl to request an interview with BEIS.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description July 2016 - MRC Life Submission 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact In July 2016 we submitted an article for MRC Life to highlight a story about Dr Claire Donald and Dr Alain Kohl, who took part in a Reddit Ask me Anything online Q&A session. The article feature in the September edition of the publication, which is distributed across all of the MRC funded centres. The publication is a useful tool to share the work of the CVR with a wider audience, including partners, collaborators and our stakeholders working at the MRC.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description July 2016 Alain Kohl and Claire Donald - Zika Virus Reddit Ask me anything session 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Dr Alain Kohl and Dr Claire Donald took part in an online Reddit AMA focusing on the Zika virus outbreak in July 2016. They received and answered just over 100 questions from people from all over the World.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description July 2016 Zika virus News Story - Daily Mail 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact A story was published in the Daily Mail newspaper and website to promote up to date Zika virus research. Dr Alain Kohl featured http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3652623/Why-REALLY-shouldn-t-scratch-mosquito-bite-Inflammation-itching-helps-viruses-like-Zika-spread-body.html#ixzz4CIZBBBKd. The story also featured in MRC Research in the News
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description June 2017 - Art Goes Viral - CVR Colouring Book 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Adult colouring books have become hugely popular and although you can find one based on just about any theme, at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), we knew that something was missing

An inspired group of CVR scientists decided to tap into this market, creating our own unique version that would allow others to explore the fascinating world of viruses and learn about the incredible work of the CVR.

The journey began in November 2016 with the submission deadlines for two key science festival proposals on the horizon. A team of sci-comm enthusiasts gathered around a meeting room table for what would be the start of the colouring book, 'Art Goes Viral'. Our ideas morphed into life over the coming months, resulting in a captivating virology field guide comprising a mix of eye-catching illustrations and quick facts to help explain how we study viruses and disease. The book was written and illustrated by PhD students Stephanie Cumberworth, Yasmin Parr, Alexandra Hardy, Joanna Crispell and Weronika Witkowska, post-doctoral researcher Connor Bamford and principal investigator Ed Hutchinson, with the help of CVR communications officer Siobhan Petrie. The team put great consideration into the content of the book, ensuring that it would offer an engaging and appealing educational resource, accessible both to adults and to a younger audience. To achieve this, we developed copy targeted at an average reading age of 10 years old and put considerable thought into translating complex ideas about the microscopic world. The extensive efforts and dedication of the team resulted in an impressive piece filled with clear and visually appealing images and copy.

We launched 'Art Goes Viral' in June 2017 at a book launch event in a popular bar as part of the Glasgow Science Festival. Participants received a copy of the book and learned about viruses by helping to design and build colourful mobiles and models based on viral structures. The event was a hit with both attendees and volunteers alike, providing an inspiring break from adult life and leaving more than a few of us covered in glitter. Among our guests, we were delighted to welcome 5 STEM teachers who are a very important target audience. Discussion was key in understanding what appealed about our resources and how our audience would make use of them longer-term. This was crucial in developing our understanding of the book as a potential educational resource for schools, and to identify the ideal target age range for use. We were also particularly keen to find out what most interested attendees about virology research to help shape our future activities. To ensure adequate time for discussion, the event was supported by 12 researchers from across the centre. We also signposted our guests to the public engagement section of our website, where it is possible to access pdf copies of our artwork templates as free educational resources. This was particularly welcomed by teachers who viewed the resources as useful classroom activities.

Next up was the MRC Festival and the launch of an online competition promoted via our CVR social media channels, the UofG and MRC Twitter accounts, and networks such as psci-comm and SCOTPEN. We also shared information with Communications and Public Engagement stakeholders across the wider University, and with relevant external organisations such as the Microbiology Society. Participants were asked to visit our website to print off and colour their favourite image, then email or tweet a picture along with a favourite fact from the book. Bespoke hashtags helped to create an engaging online conversation filled with colourful images and facts from the book.

Art Goes Viral was a big endeavour to bring to life, so our team was determined to deliver a resource that offered long-term scope to create and support new projects. So we were thrilled that the extensive digital coverage led to subsequent engagement opportunities and further promotion of the book. The Charity Hepatitis Scotland asked our researchers to take part in the Hepatitis See Exhibition at the Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art in July, using the book as a creative medium to engage in conversation with people affected by Hepatitis C virus. We were also contacted by the Glasgow Science Centre, the Bristol Science Centre, The Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology (University of Utrecht) and the Research Strategy and Innovation team of the UofG, who all went on to make use of the book as part of their own outreach ventures. This provided an excellent opportunity to grow our reach to a much wider, previously un-tapped audience. We have also made use of the colouring book at a number of exciting events, which have allowed us to engage with the non-science community and underserved audiences. This included a family fun day at the Tesco supermarket in Anniesland, Glasgow and 'What women do'; an event targeted at Saturday shoppers in Glasgow, showcasing interesting career options for women. Both events provided an excellent platform to promote Art Goes Viral to a completely new audience for the CVR. We also attended the Middle of Scotland Music Festival (MoSSFest) for the first time this year, offering virus crafts for a new audience.

Art Goes Viral is an exciting opportunity to target new audiences and work with communities who would not easily have access to such resources. We are now looking to the future and exploring new ideas to develop our work with underserved communities further in 2018. This includes translation into foreign language, increasing our reach into schools and the STEM network and more community interaction to help reach our goals. We are also working on a print on demand service, which will allow anyone to own hard copy of 'Art goes Viral' from Amazon for a minimal, not-for-profit fee. In the meantime, if you feel inspired by our nomination, 'go forth and be vibrant with colour' by printing off a copy of our book and why not share it with family and friends.
http://www.gla.ac.uk/researchinstitutes/iii/cvr/publicengagement/colour/
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description MRC Festival - Classroom Takeover @ Cleveden Secondary School 14 June 2018 
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 As part of the MRC Festival, the CVR opted to run a session for higher biology pupils at a local secondary school. We approached one of the school teachers and following an initial discussion around what we could offer a date was agreed at the convenience of the school within the dates of the MRC Festival.
We used this as an opportunity to obtain funding to develop one existing activity and to develop a brand new idea devised by our bioinformaticians. The CVR Glovebox Challenge was an existing activity that involves performing a series of intricate tasks inside a portable glovebox chamber while wearing PPE. The game is designed to help describe the conditions that can be found inside a wet lab and to introduce conversations about life working within a busy, cutting-edge laboratory. The glovebox chamber was due to go back into commission so funding for the MRC Festival meant we could replace the item and make use of it during our activity and beyond at future events.

Biolegomatics
This was a new activity developed by CVR bioinformaticians as a way to help explain the basic principles of genetic sequencing while also encouraging discussions around the role of a computer/data scientist. This activity proved particularly popular given the recent introduction of bioinformatics to the secondary school curriculum.

Event preparation and format:
CVR researchers began preparing for the event first by attending a mentoring session with Steve Allman to help develop ideas. They then went on to meet up on a further two occasions to refine timings and format and also to have a practice run-through.
Our researchers structured the event by creating a story to explain the 5 key stages of research that follows a virus outbreak. Pupils were then divided into groups and each rotated round a series of 5 activities that helped to explain each of the 5 stages. We also planned to allow time for feedback at the end and took a quiz in case of any down time. In the event, we actually ran right up to the classroom bell.

Feedback:
We took feedback forms for the pupils and teachers to complete. Unfortunately, we ran out of time as the pupils were very engaged in the activities. We asked the teacher if he would ask the pupils to complete the forms in a later class. Unfortunately, this did not happen due to time constraints.
We did however, receive incredibly positive feedback from all 3 teachers present who all commented on how enthusiastic and engaged the pupils were in each of the activities. We have also had multiple follow-up contacts from the class teacher who reported that the pupils were '100% enthused' and he also reported that the biolegomatics activity had helped pupils when they came to covering bioinformatics later in the school year.

Follow-up:
We have remained in contact with the class teacher as above and he has also in return been in touch to enquire about work experience opportunities. For this we directed him to sources of information and support within the MVLS College. We have also approached the school to ask of their interest in bringing pupils to the CVR for a visit as part of our festival activity in 2019. As a result we hope to maintain a longer term relationship with the school and to meet with our objective of inspiring the future generation of scientists.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description MRC Parliamentary Event 6 February 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The CVR participated in the MRC parliamentary event on 6 February 2019. This event was coordinated by the MRC Executive and was hosted by Lewis MacDonald MSP. Invitations were extended to all MSPs by the MRC. Richard Lochhead, Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science attended and gave a short speech. Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Jeane Freeman also attended. From the CVR Alain Kohl, Claire Donald and Ben Brennan displayed at a stand with a poster, film clip of mosquitoes and augmented reality viruses with tablets. Massimo Palmarini and John McLauchlan attended as guests in the room. The CVR also extended the invitation to Vice Principal for Research Prof Miles Padgett, Dean for Research Prof Graeme Milligan and Head of Institute Prof Iain McInnes. In the run up to the event, the CVR followed up with 9 MSPs informing of our presence at the event. We received positive responses from Miles Briggs and Patrick Grady.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description MRC Science Showcase Scotland, Scottish Parliament- Donald, Kohl and others 
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 MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research delegation - Dr Benjmin Brennan, Dr Claire Louisa Donald, Professor Alain Kohl and Professor John McLauchlan- to the Scottish Parliament to showcase and discuss acitivities with politicians/policymakers.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description March 2016 - Zika Funding Press Release and News Story 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Alain Kohl, David Bhella and Arvind Patel were among some of the researchers at the University of Glasgow who were successful in obtaining vital additional funding to support further research into Zika virus across 3 new projects. The University of Glasgow Corporate Communications team published an online news story and issued a press release. You can view the full news story at the following link:
http://www.gla.ac.uk/news/headline_452965_en.html
Due to the online coverage and social media activity, this news story reached a significant international audience. This activity has led to further requests for media interviews and engagement activity to promote zika virus research at the CVR.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description March 2017 - Alain Kohl - Financial Times Interview 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact In March 2017 Prof Alain Kohl was interviewed by the Financial Times on 10 March for commentary regarding the impact of Brexit on science research. We are not aware of any articles or impact.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description March 2017 - Alain Kohl - New Scientist Interview 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact In March 2017 Alain Kohl was interviewed for an article about Zika virus for the New Scientist - https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg23331164-400-warmer-weather-could-bring-fresh-zika-misery/ The aim was to share the work and expertise of his research group with a global audience via a high-profile publication. The article was also shared on CVR Facebook and Twitter channels for wider circulation.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description March 2017 - British Science Week - Meet the Expert 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact In March 2017 3 CVR researchers led a meet the expert session at the Glasgow Science Centre as part of the programme of British Science Week 2017. Our researchers took along 3 CVR activities including Build a Virus, Body Fluids puzzle and Zika snakes and ladders. Our team met with approximately 150 children accompanied by guardians.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description March 2017 - Prime Minister Theresa May - Scottish News Conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact In March 2017 during a visit to Scotland Prime Minister Theresa May recognised and referenced the CVR's zika virus research programme during a news conference interview. we believe this was a result of our overall efforts to engage with politicians and extensive media engagement during 2016 and 2017.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description Max Perutz Award 2018 - Stephanie Cumberworth 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact CVr PhD student Stephanie Cumberworth submitted an entry for the MRC Max Perutz Award 2018. The competition receives >1000 entries and Stephanie was successful to be among 10 shortlisted candidates for the prize. Stephanie attended a reception in London in October 2018. The competition is designed to allow PhD students to reach a wider audience with their research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description May 2016 - Dr Alain Kohl interview Globalpost 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Dr Alain Kohl is interviewed by a journalist for the Globalpost for an article about Zika virus outbreak and research. The journalist has subsequently published two stories related to the outbreak
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description May 2016 - Dr Alain Kohl is interviewed by Sputnick News 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Dr Alain Kohl was approached by Sputniknews (an Edinuburgh based news channel) to arrange an interview about the Zika virus outbreak and research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description May 2016 - Dr Alain Kohl is interviewed live by the BBC (including BBC World News) and Radio 5 live 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Dr Alain Kohl is interviewed by 3 high profile media channels regarding latest updates on the Zika virus outbreak and his research. The interviews have led to further requests and interest from Policy makers.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description May 2016 - Dr Alain Kohl, Dr Esther Schnettler and Dr Emilie Pondeville University of Zika virus Press Release 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Dr Alain Kohl, Dr Esther Schnettler (CVR affiliate) and Dr Emilie Pondeville provide commentary on a press release issued by the University of Leeds related to partnership research on the Zika virus. This led to articles in the media and further requests for information/interviews.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description May 2016 - Dr Alain is interviewed by BBC Radio Scotland 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Dr Alain Kohl is interviewed by BBC Radio Scotland regarding the Zika virus outbreak and his research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description May 2019 - MRC Public Engagement Training Session Steve Cross 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact The MRC offered Public Engagement training from freelance consultant Steve Cross in May 2019. The session was offered to all MRC centres taking part in the MRC Festival of Medical Research across the UK. 12 CVR researchers including a mix of students and staff attended the session and provided positive feedback relating to their experience of the day.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Media interactions Zika virus outbreak- Donald, Kohl 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Numerous interviews for print media (including NY Times, Spiegel), internet (Reddit), blogs. The CVR keeps a record of these outputs.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015,2016
 
Description Media interactions Zika virus outbreak- Kohl 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact TV interviews for BBC (News and World), ITV. The CVR keeps a record of these outputs.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Meet the Researcher Showcase Event 13-14 March 2018 
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 On 13 and 14 March 2018 Ilaria Epifano (PhD student), Michaela Conley and Maria Vittoria Mancini (both postdocs) attended a two day event that took place in both the Dundee and Glasgow Science centres to run an exhibition attended by 200 Higher Biology School pupils from across Scotland each day. Our researchers used our build a virus activity to engage in conversation and took leaflets to share information about entering a career in virology. They estimate that they engaged with around 100 school pupils each day and have been asked to participate again and support the venture twice in November 2018 and again in March 2019.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description Meet the Researcher Showcase Event Feb 2020 
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 Ilaria Epifano and Michaela Conley attended a two day event that took place in both the Dundee and Glasgow Science centres to run an exhibition attended by 200 Higher Biology School pupils from across Scotland each day. Our researchers used our build a virus activity to engage in conversation and took leaflets to share information about entering a career in virology. They estimate that they engaged with around 100 school pupils each day.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description Nardus Mollentze hosts online webinar for European Virus Bioinformatics Centre 
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 Part of the viruses in silico lecture series. Titled: Identifying and prioritising poorly-characterised viruses with zoonotic potential.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Nov 2018 Stephanie Cumberworth Blog post 
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 CVR Communications Officer Siobhan Petrie shared a blog post to highlight the success of Stephanie Cumberworth who was shortlisted for the MRC 2018 Max Perutz Award. The post contained Stephanie's article - The Zika virus and a brain in a dish: https://cvrblog.myportfolio.com/copy-of-the-zika-virus-and-the-brain-in-a-dish

https://cvrblog.myportfolio.com/copy-of-the-zika-virus-and-the-brain-in-a-dish

approx 61 page views
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description November 2016 - Dr Alain Kohl Sun Newspaper Commentary 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact In November 2016, Dr Alain Kohl provided commentary for a news story that featured in the Sun newspaper both in print and online related to his research on the Zika virus. The article instigated online discussion via comments.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description November 2016 - Dr Alain Kohl is interviewed for an article in The Sun 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Dr ALain Kohl is interviewed and features in The Sun newspaper and website for an article related to Zika virus research breakthrough https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/2134121/new-treatment-protects-unborn-babies-from-being-infected-with-zika-virus/
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/2134121/new-treatment-protects-unborn-babies-from-being-infected-wit...
 
Description November 2017 - Girlguiding Dunbartonshire Workshop 
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 In November 2017 a group of CVR researchers work with a local guide leader (and also a member of CVR staff) to arrange an evening workshop of interactive activities for a local Girlguide group. Through a mix of popular CVR activities, our team of researchers provided education about viruses, research and information about pursuing a successful science career. Since the event, a further session has taken place leading to two further requests for involvement with additional groups.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description October 2016 - Dr Alain Kohl MRC Talks Podcast 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact In October 2016 Dr Alain Kohl was interviewed to feature in a podcast about interdisciplinary research for the MRC Talks podcast. The podcast was shared by the MRC and the CVR on social media. With 566 people listening to the podcast on soundcloud.
https://soundcloud.com/the_mrc/mrc-talks-episode-9
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description October 2016 - Dr Alain Kohl STV, BBC Radio Scotland Interview and Media Activity 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Dr ALain Kohl and his team publish a paper in PLOS in October 2016 as a result of sequencing the full genome of the Zika virus. Following the distribution of a press release by the University of Glasgow Corporate Communications team, Dr Kohl and Dr Donald were interviewed by STV and also featured in the following media coverage:
Scientists at Glasgow University make Zika breakthrough which could unlock secrets of the virus (Web)
Herald Scotland - 06/10/2016

Glasgow team makes breakthrough in Zika virus research (Web)
STV - 06/10/2016

Zika breakthrough? Scientists identify molecules that take over the immune system - and how to stop them (Web)
Daily Mail - 06/10/2016

STV West - 6 October 2016 - 07:10:02
STV West - 06/10/2016 07:10:02
Ground-breaking genetic research by Glasgow University has uncovered more about the Zika virus.

BBC Radio Scotland - 06 October 2016 - 06:48:17
BBC Radio Scotland - 06/10/2016 06:48:17
Scientists at the University of Glasgow have been able to sequence the Zika virus genome. Includes interview with Dr Claire Donald.

STV West - 05 October 2016 - 22:59:44
Scotland Tonight, STV West - 05/10/2016 22:59:44
Tonight, scientists at Glasgow University have published ground-breaking research into the Zika virus. Includes interview with Dr Alain Kohl.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description October 2016 - Dr Alain Kohl ZikAlliance Press Release Announcement 
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 In October 2016, Dr Alain Kohl joined ZikAlliance - a European Commission Consortium set up to provide essential research support to tackle the Zika virus outbreak. A press release was distributed to announce the initiative.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description October 2016 - Dr Alain Kohl Zika Virus Lectures 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact In October 2016, Dr Alain Kohl delivered a series of lectures about his research on the Zika Virus. Dr Kohl gave lectures at the University of Glasgow (for the Medical Infection and Immunology Society Conference, a One Health meeting at the University of Edinburgh and at St Andrews University for the Hispanic Society). Hi audience captured students, researchers and general members of the public
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description October 2016 - Dr Claire Donald interview Chikungunya virus 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Dr Claire Donald is interviewed to produce an article about Chikungunya virus - http://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2016/oct/15/mosquito-menace-the-ever-daunting-task-of-vector-borne-disease-control-1527632.html?pm=231
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description October 2016 - MRC Podcast Dr Alain Kohl 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Third sector organisations
Results and Impact In October 2016, Dr Alain Kohl was approved by the MRC Head Office Communications team with a request to take part in a podcast and an accompanying article for the MRC digital media channels. Dr Kohl was interviewed about his experience of interdisciplinary research based on his work on the research of arboviruses and his collaborations in this field. The podcast reached an audience of 563 with an audience of >500 for the news article.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description October 2016 - ZikAlliance Consortium - Dr Alain Kohl 
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 ZIKAlliance is a multinational and multi-disciplinary research consortium comprised of 52 partners worldwide and coordinated by Inserm, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research. ZIKAlliance is funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme. The project will investigate clinical, fundamental, environmental and social aspects of ZIKV infection. In particular, ZIKAlliance will focus on the impact of ZIKV infection during pregnancy and the natural history of ZIKV in humans and their environment. In collaboration with two other EC funded consortia (ZikaPLAN and ZIKAction), ZIKAlliance will also work on the development of a preparedness platform in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Dr Alain Kohl became a member of the consortium in October 2016 attending a kick off meeting in Brazil in December. Dr Kohl will make a significant contribution via expert opinion and research updates. The website and twitter page for ZikAlliance launched in January 2017. https://zikalliance.tghn.org/
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description October 2017 - Alain Kohl - Media Interview 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Prof Alain Kohl was interviewed for a Luxembourg-based online magazine - http://delano.lu/d/detail/news/celebrating-science-catching-virology-bug/160142
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description October 2017 - MoSSFest 
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 In October 2017 a group of CVR researchers took a stand at the Middle of Scotland Science Festival in Glasgow. Our team used a mix of Art Goes Viral colouring book and craft materials as well as Zika snakes and ladders and the glovebox chamber activity. This was a collaboration with the Welcome Trust Centre for Micro Parasitology and also an opportunity to provide a public engagement experience for a University of Glasgow undergraduate student. The team estimate that they engaged with approximately 150 children along with adult supervisors. One researcher also produced the evaluation report for the event. The activity was shared on Twitter using the festival hashtag.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description October 2017 - Stephanie Cumberworth Skype a Scientist 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact In October 2017 CVR PhD student Stephanie Cumberworth took part in the 'Skype a Scientist' initiative and skyped a school class based in Portugal. this was a chance for Stephanie to share her work, career path and for students to ask questions. Stephanie shared her experience on her personal twitter account, which was in turn retweeted.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://twitter.com/88lfm88/status/923102558599643136
 
Description Outbreak: The Pub Quiz 
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 Join scientists from the Centre for Virus Research for some infectious fun at this pub quiz! Scientists will share their expertise and challenge your knowledge about the viruses hitting the headlines
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Panellist, Glasgow Science Festival- Donald 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Participation in debate "Zika Virus: Past, Present, Future".
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Participation in the IMAV 2019 Meeting - Microbiology Society 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact The Third International Meeting on Arboviruses and their Vectors took place September 5 and 6 at the University of Glasgow. As we see continuing transmission of pathogens such as dengue and chikungunya, the emergence of other arboviruses, as well as progress with understanding vector biology (including ticks, mosquitoes and midges) this area of research remains of high importance. The many scientists and clinicians from different areas of expertise who share an interest in arboviruses need a dedicated forum to discuss viruses and vectors in depth. This meeting provides a great opportunity to do so, and for people in the arbovirus research community to meet and exchange ideas.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://microbiologysociety.org/event/society-events-and-meetings/imav-2019.html
 
Description Participation of the WMVT Team in the Orkney International Science Festival 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Sam Langford, Ben Brennan, Kelsey Davies and Faye Watson hosted a public talk and took part in a family day session to represent the What Makes Viruses Tick project and open up conversations with communities in Orkney about ticks and tick-borne viruses.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://twitter.com/CVRinfo/status/1565411049385369600?s=20&t=TPNavt9l0qgbLTjdWTv4xw
 
Description Participation of the What Makes Viruses Tick project in Glasgow Science Festival 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Sam Langford, Faye Watson, Ben Brennan, Marine Petit, Jamie Herzig, Sarah Walsh, Kelsey Davies, Faye Watson participated in the Glasgow Science Festival. Two days at Mugdock Country Park and three days at Glasgow Botanic Gardens family day. Several activities such as the Tick Scavenger hunt and resin ticks under microscope. The Conservation Volunteers took part alongside the team at Mugdock Park.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://twitter.com/GlasgowSciFest/status/1533788396732178433?s=20&t=TPNavt9l0qgbLTjdWTv4xw
 
Description Patrick Grady MP visits CVR stand @ Tesco Anniesland Family Day Sat 21 July 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Following a visit to the CVR stand at Science Sunday on 11 June, Patrick Grady MP made a note in his diary and made a point of visiting the CVR stand at a local Tesco Family day in Anniesland, Glasgow on 21 June. The event was attended by >200 members of the local community and was supported by social media activity by the CVR. Patrick Grady is keen to maintain an ongoing relationship with the CVR.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description Patrick Grady MP visits the CVR at Science Sunday 10 June 2018 
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 Patrick Grady MP attended the Science Sunday event as part of the Glasgow Science Festival. Mr Grady made a point of visiting the CVR stand and explained to our researchers that he was already familiar with the centre following a visit in 2017. Patrick helped to provide social media promotion of the event and also took note of the CVR's attendance at a family day hosted by Tesco in Anniesland, Glasgow which he then went on to attend in July 2018.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description STEM in The Gorbals @GorbalsSTEM 
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 STEM in the Gorbals is a a series of innovative and ambitious public engagement and science communication events in conjunction with local primary schools in the Gorbals, promoting STEM engagement in areas with traditionally low participation.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/scienceconnects/news/headline_593073_en.html
 
Description Sam Langford contributed to a BBC Highlands article about tick and tick-borne diseases. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Article title: Warning ticks year-round risk due to climate change. Part of the What Makes Viruses Tick? project.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-61549598
 
Description Sam Langford featured on BBC Radio Orkney 
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 Sam Langford, Project Manager for WMVT took part in a radio interview with BBC Radio Orkney.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Sam Langford's contribution to BBC Highlands article 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Online article titled 'Scotland's bloodsucking pests have mixed fortunes' in BBC Highlands. Comments given by WMVS Project Manager, Sam Langford.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-63795038
 
Description September 2016 - Dr Claire Donald (The Conversation - Chikungunya) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact In September 2016, the CVR was approached by The Conversation in light of the Chikungunya outbreak in India. Dr Claire Donald, who is an expert in Arbovirus research, published an article - https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/ - which reached a large, international audience.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description September 2016 - Dr Claire Donald The Conversation 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact In September 2016 Dr Claire Donald published an article in The Conversation about the Chikungunya outbreak in Dehli. the article was shared on our social media channels reaching an audience of >1000 people
https://theconversation.com/delhi-has-been-hit-by-a-chikungunya-epidemic-what-is-this-disease-65592
The Conversation reaches a global audience. India is a key target audience for future communications related to our research and we plan to grow our reach in this area.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description September 2017 - Claire Donald - The Conversation - Zika virus 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact In September 2017 CVR postdoc Dr Claire Donald produced an article about the status of the Zika virus outbreak for The Conversation - https://theconversation.com/whatever-happened-to-the-zika-virus-82618. The article was also shared on the CVR Facebook and Twitter pages gaining a reach of 690 contacts on Facebook alone along with shares and likes. Claire also engaged with a reader who posted a question on The Conversation website.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description September 2017 - Explorathon 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact In September 2017 a group of 8 CVR researchers led an exhibition of activities at the Explorathon event at the Glasgow Transport Museum. Our team showcased 3 CVR activities including the glovebox chamber activity, build a virus and zika snakes and ladders. This very busy event (over 3000 free tickets are distributed) attracted approximately 200 children accompanied by adults to the CVR stand. Images were shared on social media reaching 609 contacts on Facebook alone.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description September 2017 - What Women Do Event 
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 In September 2017 some of our female scientists attended the 'What Women Do' event at the Lighthouse, Glasgow - an event intended to showcase a range of interesting and successful career paths for women. It was a busy event and our researchers took along a number of fun activities to highlight the sort of work that they do at the CVR. Our team also encouraged participants to explore the positive options and solutions that can help women progress in a science career. Our team of researchers engaged in many quality discussions throughout the day and observed a positive change in opinions through their discussions. This was captured on posters using sticky notes. One discussion also encouraged our researchers to consider future event ideas - for example an event targeted at patients. Images from the day were shared on our social media channels reaching an audience of over 500 followers.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description Shirin Ashraf visit to Eastwood High School 
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 Shirin visited a local high school and talked to pupils about emerging viruses.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://twitter.com/EHSBiology/status/1539969866462990338
 
Description Shirin Ashraf's participation in online competition called Explorathon 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Explorathon is hosted by St Andrew's Engagement Programme and aims to #MakeResearchReal. Shirin created a video about her career to enter the competition and was voted 3rd place.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://twitter.com/ernscot/status/1576150177013899264
 
Description Skype a Scientist- Donald 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Dr Claire Louisa Donald participated in "Skype a Scientist", where scientists can discuss their work, career and science with school children.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017,2018
 
Description Tick and Tick-bone diseases outreach at Benmore Botanic Gardens 
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 Sam Langford and Marina Kugler participated in outreach activities at the Benmore Botanic Gardens as part of the What Makes Viruses Tick? project.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://twitter.com/CVRinfo/status/1557318177247436802?s=20&t=TPNavt9l0qgbLTjdWTv4xw
 
Description Tick-Focused Online Webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact TCV Scotland partnership online webinar focused on Tick Bite Awareness. Part of the What Makes Viruses Tick project.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Training with the Scottish Oral History Centre 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Two half days of online training which covered all the practical basics of getting started, including planning, good interviewing techniques, equipment, interview practice, transcription and summarising, ethics, copyright, data protection (GDPR) and legal issues.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.strath.ac.uk/humanities/schoolofhumanities/history/scottishoralhistorycentre/
 
Description Video and Blog with Promega 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Alain Kohl and Akira Alexander discuss how the small size of the bioluminescent peptide tag, HiBiT, makes an ideal reporter for virology research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.promega.co.uk/c/uk-blog/article/alain-kohl/?utm_campaign=viral_research&utm_source=prome...
 
Description Video series introducing the BatsGoViral team and their research 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Nardus Mollentze explains his work which aims to understand how viruses spread between different host species, and what determines the species they can infect.
Haris explains his PhD project which aims to understand how we can use harmless viruses as self-spreading vaccines against #rabies in vampire bat populations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSIWXqVBfdlDGukbwQVPtypyCN1j2MdrM
 
Description What Makes Viruses Tick - Tick Bite Prevention Week YouTube video series - 22/03/2022 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Video introducing Ben and his lab members for Tick Bite Prevention Week 2022
Video introducing the What Makes Viruses Tick and 5 livestream interviews for Tick Bite Prevention Week 2022.

To raise awareness of ticks, tick-borne diseases, how to safely remove ticks and research into tick-borne viruses happening in the Centre for Virus Research. Aimed at general public as well as community groups supporting people affected or potentially affected by tick-borne viruses
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSIWXqVBfdlDN5Dlz0-KJ17Wa7k928Lws
 
Description What Makes Viruses Tick at UofG's ARCadia Festival 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Sam Langford, Kelsey Davies, Alex Wilson, Andy Clarke, Marina Kugler and Mazigh Fares participation in University of Glasgow's ARCadia Festival. They had a stall which involved a tick scavenger hunt and ticks in resin which could be seen down a microscope.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://twitter.com/UofGSii/status/1573296877482946567?s=20&t=TPNavt9l0qgbLTjdWTv4xw
 
Description World Mosquito Day August 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact At the CVR, we carry out world-leading research on mosquito ecology & control, as well as working on mosquito-borne viruses such as Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya. To mark World Mosquito Day, Stephanie Rainey explains the importance of the CVR's Wolbachia programme, while Alain Kohl talks about the discovery of Zika virus. Both were interviewed by the UofG press team with interviews shared with >20K followers:

http://ow.ly/403i30ltuff

https://twitter.com/UofGMVLS/status/1031469005490532353

https://twitter.com/UofGMVLS/status/1031512634900865024
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch