Professor Massimo Palmarini Steps Down as Director of CVR, Professor Emma Thomson Named Interim Director

Professor Massimo Palmarini Steps Down as Director of CVR, Professor Emma Thomson Named Interim Director

(IN BRIEF) After over a decade of leading the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), Professor Massimo Palmarini is stepping down as Director to take on the role of Head of Viroscience at Erasmus University Medical Centre in Rotterdam. He will maintain a part-time position with the University of Glasgow. Under his leadership, the CVR played a critical role in managing global virus outbreaks like Zika, Ebola, and COVID-19. Professor Emma Thomson will assume the role of Interim Director, continuing the centre’s legacy in virus research. The CVR, which is a leading institution in the study of viral diseases and human-animal interactions, has made significant contributions to the understanding of viruses like hepatitis C, dengue, and SARS-CoV-2.

(PRESS RELEASE) GLASGOW, 13-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Professor Massimo Palmarini, a leading figure in the study of virus pathogenesis and cross-species transmission, is stepping down as Director of the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) after over a decade of transformative leadership. He will take on the role of Head of Viroscience at Erasmus University Medical Centre in Rotterdam starting in April 2025. Despite this move, Professor Palmarini will maintain a part-time role with the University of Glasgow, helping to strengthen the ties between both institutions.

Under Professor Palmarini’s guidance, the CVR has become a globally recognized center, playing an integral role in major virus outbreaks including Zika, Ebola, influenza, and COVID-19. The centre’s expertise in viral sequencing, vaccine trials, and providing real-time information on viruses has been invaluable for both national and international pandemic responses. The CVR’s research during the COVID-19 pandemic helped provide critical insights for public health bodies and governments.

In the interim, Professor Emma Thomson will assume the role of Interim Director of the CVR. An internationally respected expert in emerging infectious diseases, Professor Thomson made significant contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, including leading the team that identified the cause of acute severe hepatitis in children in 2022. Professor Thomson is expected to continue the CVR’s legacy as a leader in virus research.

The CVR, a collaborative partnership between the University of Glasgow and the Medical Research Council (MRC), is home to the UK’s largest group of researchers dedicated to the study of human viral diseases and viruses at the human-animal interface. Since its establishment in 2010, the CVR has made vital contributions to the understanding of a wide array of viruses, including hepatitis C, dengue fever, and SARS-CoV-2. The centre is also equipped with cutting-edge facilities, such as cryo-EM microscopes and a drug-resistance screening hub.

Professor Iain McInnes, Head of the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, expressed his gratitude to Professor Palmarini for his exceptional leadership, especially during the pandemic, and welcomed Professor Thomson as the new Interim Director, confident that the CVR’s reputation will continue to grow under her guidance.

Reflecting on his time at the CVR, Professor Palmarini said, “I am incredibly proud of what the CVR has achieved, from our world-class facilities to the remarkable contributions of our researchers. The centre has become an essential asset in studying and preventing viral diseases and preparing for future pandemics.”

Professor Thomson shared her excitement about the new role, saying, “I am honored to lead the CVR as Interim Director and to continue the exceptional work that Massimo has spearheaded. Our focus remains on advancing vital research, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring our contributions help improve public health in the face of emerging viral threats.”

Professor Patrick Chinnery, Executive Chair of the Medical Research Council, also praised Professor Palmarini’s leadership, acknowledging his lasting impact on the field of virology and expressing enthusiasm for the continued collaboration with Professor Thomson.

Media Contact:

ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk
elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Glasgow