Professor Emma Thomson appointed Director of the CVR
Published: 2 June 2025
The University of Glasgow is delighted to announce that Professor Emma Thomson has been appointed as the new Director of the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), having taken up the post as Interim Director in February, following the departure of Professor Massimo Palmarini.
The University of Glasgow is delighted to announce that Professor Emma Thomson has been appointed as the new Director of the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), having taken up the post as Interim Director in February, following the departure of Professor Massimo Palmarini.
An internationally recognised expert in emerging infectious diseases, Professor Thomson played both key public health and research roles throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as carrying out research on several emerging viruses including Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus, Ebola, Le Dantec virus, measles, hepatitis C and AAV2. She led the team of CVR researchers who discovered the association of AAV2 with acute severe hepatitis of unknown origin affecting children around the world in 2022.
Professor Thomson trained in medicine in Glasgow and carried out her specialist infectious diseases training in London at The Royal Free, St Mary’s Hospital, and University College hospital. She carried out her PhD at Imperial College London and the University of Oxford before returning to Glasgow as a clinical senior lecturer in 2011.
Professor Thomson will continue to lead the internationally renowned CVR as it plays a key part in the national and international pandemic response, with the Centre contributing expertise in areas including viral sequencing, pandemic preparedness and vaccine trials. Professor Thomson will continue the CVR’s globally recognised role as a trusted source of real-time information on viruses for government, public health bodies and the public.
The CVR is home to the UK’s largest critical mass of researchers who are entirely focused on the study of human viral diseases and viruses at the human-animal interface. Established in 2010 as a partnership between the University and the Medical Research Council (MRC), the CVR contributes to national virology capability and supports the global response to viruses and the diseases they cause.
Researchers at the CVR have made significant contributions to the study of multiple important viruses including influenza, dengue, mpox, herpes viruses, Zika, hepatitis viruses and SARS-CoV-2.
The CVR is also home to world-class facilities including state-of-the-art genomics, containment level 3 laboratories, cryo-EM microscopes and the CVR Translational Hub.
Professor Emma Thomson said: “I am so pleased to take on the permanent role of Director of the CVR, at what is an exciting time for the Centre, as we continue to build on the exceptional leadership of Professor Palmarini, whose contributions positioned the centre at the forefront of virology research.
“Our mission remains clear as we look to the future: to advance fundamental and translational research in virology, strengthen global partnerships, and ensure our discoveries contribute directly to scientific progress and improved human health.
“The CVR’s role as a centre of excellence in virus research has never been more important. Emerging and re-emerging viruses pose increasing challenges due to increased travel, the growing human population and climate change. New approaches are required to provide readiness for the increasing risk of viral infection to human health, and I look forward to working closely with our talented researchers, technical and administrative teams, and partners across academia, the NHS, public health and industry to sustain and grow our impact in this area.
“I am committed to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and ambitious research environment where innovation and discovery thrive.”
Professor Iain McInnes, Vice-Principal and Head of the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, said: “I am thrilled we have appointed Professor Emma Thomson as Director of the CVR, which is a vital and essential part of the UK and the world’s pandemic preparedness, and one the University of Glasgow is incredibly proud to host.
“As a Clinical Professor in Infectious Diseases, Emma leads an internationally recognised research programme on viral emergence, genomic epidemiology, and enhanced diagnostic development. Since Emma took on the role of Interim Director at the start of this year, she has already showed a clear vision and mission for the future of the CVR, focussed on the continued advancement of fundamental and translational research in virology, and a strengthening of global partnerships. I am certain that under her leadership the CVR will go from strength to strength and continue to be globally recognised for its work at the forefront of virus research.
“I, on behalf of the College and University, look forward to continuing to work with her as she forges ahead in this role, and builds on our strengths as a world-leading centre for virus research.”
Ceri Williams, Executive Director, Challenge-led Themes at the MRC, said: “I am delighted to see Professor Emma Thomson appointed as Director of the CVR. Her combination of clinical and research expertise will be a great asset to the Centre as it continues to lead exciting and internationally recognised research programmes on emerging viral threats. I look forward to seeing her dynamic vision for impactful, world-class research come to fruition in this new chapter for the CVR.”
Enquiries: ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk or elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk
First published: 2 June 2025
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