Professor Massimo Palmarini steps down as CVR director after 14 successful years
Published: 13 February 2025
After more than a decade leading the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), Professor Massimo Palmarini is stepping down as Director of the globally renowned research facility to take up a new role
After more than a decade leading the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), Professor Massimo Palmarini is stepping down as Director of the globally renowned research facility to take up a new role.
Professor Palmarini will take up the post of Head of Viroscience at the Erasmus University Medical Centre in Rotterdam in April 2025. He will retain a part-time position with the University of Glasgow, helping to strengthen connections between the two institutions.
Professor Palmarini, an expert in virus pathogenesis and cross-species transmission, has led the CVR through a number of global virus outbreaks, including Zika, Ebola and influenza. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor Palmarini ensured the CVR was a key part of both national and international pandemic response, with the Centre contributing expertise in areas including viral sequencing and vaccine trials. Through his leadership, the CVR is globally recognised as a trusted source of real-time information on viruses for government, public health bodies and the public.
The University is delighted that Professor Emma Thomson has agreed to take the position of Interim Director of the CVR while the process to find a permanent replacement is underway. An internationally recognised expert in emerging infectious diseases, Professor Thomson played both key public health and research roles throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, she co-led the team of UK researchers who discovered the cause of acute severe hepatitis of unknown origin affecting children around the world in 2022.
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 hepatitis C, herpes, influenza, rabies, dengue fever, Ebola, Zika and SARS-C0V-2, as well as range of other viruses infecting animals.
In addition, the CVR is also home to world-class facilities including state-of-the-art cryo-EM microscopes and a drug-resistance screening hub.
Professor Iain McInnes, Head of the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, said: “The CVR is a unique and vital centre, essential for both the UK and the world’s pandemic preparedness, and one we are incredibly proud to host here at the University of Glasgow.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to Professor Massimo Palmarini for his exceptional leadership throughout the last 14 years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. I, on behalf of the College and University, look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role, and strengthening our ties with the Erasmus University Medical Centre in Rotterdam.
“I am delighted that Professor Emma Thomson will now lead the team as Interim Director of the CVR. Emma is a brilliant scientist and world-leading expert in infectious diseases. I am certain that under her guidance the CVR will continue to be globally recognised for its work at the forefront of virus research.”
Professor Massimo Palmarini said: “I am extremely proud of the many contributions made by CVR researchers to face the global challenges posed by viral diseases. The CVR has developed unique facilities to study viral diseases, and it has become an asset to the UK capability to study and prevent the next pandemic.”
Professor Emma Thomson said: “I am delighted to take on the role of interim Director of the CVR, building on the exceptional leadership of Professor Palmarini, whose contributions over the past 14 years have positioned the centre at the forefront of virology research.
“As we look to the future, our mission remains clear: to advance fundamental and translational research in virology, strengthen global partnerships, and ensure our discoveries contribute directly to scientific progress and improved health. In an era where emerging and re-emerging viruses pose increasing challenges, our role as a centre of excellence in virus research has never been more critical.
“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. I am also committed to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and ambitious research environment where innovation and discovery thrive.”
Professor Patrick Chinnery, Executive Chair of the Medical Research Council, said: “On behalf of everyone at the Medical Research Council, I would like to thank Massimo for his extraordinary service and support as Director of the CVR. Massimo has inspired a generation of scientists, and I have no doubt that his visionary leadership will have a lasting legacy. We’re thrilled to welcome Emma as Interim Director and very much look forward to working with her and the wider team.”
Enquiries: ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk or elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk
First published: 13 February 2025