MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research

Accelerating virus discovery to
prepare for future pandemics 

Our mission

To strengthen global health, biosecurity and pandemic preparedness through world-leading research, innovation, and training. We are a standing national capability for virus discovery, preparedness and response, enabling rapid progression from early detection to actionable innovations to tackle viral threats in the UK and worldwide.

200 staff and students, 800 publications since 2010
Queen's Anniversary Prize winner, £200m research awards since 2010

Our discoveries

scientist in the lab from BBC news video

Hantavirus outbreak 2026: Rapid response

Children playing together indoors, reaching up toward floating bubbles.

AAV2 and paediatric hepatitis outbreak response

Two people in lab coats and gloves work together at a laboratory bench, handling equipment and samples.

H5N1 avian flu outbreak response

Two people sit at a desk looking at molecular or structural graphics on a laptop and a large monitor, discussing the visual data.

Using AI to accelerate discovery and stockpile knowledge

Scientists working in an insectary examining mosquitos inside enclosed containers on shelving units.

Wolbachia for controlling dengue virus

Head of a vampire bat can be seen in a gloved hand.

Tackling vampire bat rabies transmission

All impact case studies

Stacks of lab trays filled with bright pink samples sit on an automated platform inside laboratory equipment.

CVR Translational Hub 

Scientist using a multichannel pipette at a lab bench with equipment and samples.

Our research

News

  • 27 May

    A molecular saboteur: how SFTSV avoids a tick’s immune system

    Researchers at the Centre for Virus Research (CVR) have discovered how SFTSV evades tick immune defences using a viral protein called NSs, which suppresses the tick’s antiviral RNAi response. The findings reveal a potential new target for preventing transmission from ticks to humans.
  • 27 May

    UK launches a study of Andes hantavirus using a pre approved outbreak protocol

    Following the outbreak of Andes hantavirus disease on the cruise ship MV Hondius, UK universities and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have launched a new clinical study to characterise infection and disease associated with Andes hantavirus.
  • 14 Apr

    NIHR announces Global Health Research Professors

    Two University of Glasgow Professors, including CVR Director Prof Emma Thomson, are among the latest cohort of Global Health Research Professors announced by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
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