University of Glasgow Appoints Professor Emma Thomson as Permanent Director of CVR, Leading Advancements in Virus Research

University of Glasgow Appoints Professor Emma Thomson as Permanent Director of CVR, Leading Advancements in Virus Research

(IN BRIEF) The University of Glasgow has appointed Professor Emma Thomson as the new Director of the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), after she served as Interim Director from February. An expert in emerging infectious diseases, Professor Thomson’s research has included significant contributions to understanding viruses like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and Ebola. Under her leadership, the CVR will continue to play a key role in global pandemic preparedness, viral sequencing, and vaccine trials. The Centre’s expertise and world-class facilities will further strengthen its position at the forefront of virology research, addressing the increasing challenges posed by emerging and re-emerging viruses.

(PRESS RELEASE) GLASGOW, 3-Jun-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Glasgow is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Emma Thomson as the new Director of the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR). Having served as the Interim Director since February following the departure of Professor Massimo Palmarini, Professor Thomson now assumes the permanent role, bringing her expertise to the forefront of the Centre’s groundbreaking work.

An internationally recognized expert in emerging infectious diseases, Professor Thomson played pivotal roles in both public health and research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her research spans several emerging viruses, including Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Ebola, Le Dantec virus, measles, hepatitis C, and AAV2. Notably, she led the team at CVR that discovered the link between AAV2 and acute severe hepatitis of unknown origin in children in 2022.

Professor Thomson, who trained in medicine at Glasgow and further specialized in infectious diseases in London, has a rich background in clinical and academic research. She completed her PhD at Imperial College London and the University of Oxford, before returning to Glasgow as a clinical senior lecturer in 2011.

As the Director of CVR, Professor Thomson will continue to lead the Centre’s vital contribution to global pandemic preparedness, viral sequencing, and vaccine trials. Under her leadership, the CVR will further solidify its role as a trusted, real-time source of information on viruses for government agencies, public health bodies, and the general public.

The CVR is home to the UK’s largest concentration of researchers focused entirely on studying human viral diseases and viruses at the human-animal interface. Established in 2010 through a partnership between the University and the Medical Research Council (MRC), the CVR has made significant contributions to the study of numerous viruses, including influenza, dengue, mpox, herpes viruses, Zika, hepatitis, and SARS-CoV-2. The Centre is equipped with world-class facilities such as cutting-edge genomics labs, containment level 3 laboratories, cryo-EM microscopes, and the CVR Translational Hub.

In her new role, Professor Thomson emphasized the importance of the Centre’s work: “The CVR’s role as a centre of excellence in virus research has never been more crucial. Emerging and re-emerging viruses pose increasingly complex challenges due to greater travel, a growing human population, and climate change. We must innovate to provide readiness against the rising risks of viral infections, and I look forward to collaborating with our talented teams and partners to build on our successes and enhance our global impact.”

Professor Iain McInnes, Vice-Principal and Head of the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, added, “We are thrilled to appoint Professor Thomson as Director of the CVR, which plays a vital role in global pandemic preparedness. Under her leadership, I am confident the Centre will continue to thrive and be recognized globally for its pioneering research in virology.”

Ceri Williams, Executive Director, Challenge-led Themes at the MRC, also expressed her support: “Professor Thomson’s unique combination of clinical and research expertise will undoubtedly strengthen the Centre’s leadership in emerging viral threat research. I look forward to seeing her dynamic vision for impactful research come to life in this new chapter for the CVR.”

Media contact:
ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk
elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Glasgow