Aris Katzourakis

Professor Aris Katzourakis is a Professor of Evolution and Genomics at the University of Oxford, leading the Paleovirology Lab. His research focuses on viral evolution, particularly through the study of endogenous viral elements (EVEs) preserved in host genomes. He investigates retroviruses, SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and other viruses to understand long-term evolutionary dynamics. His work bridges paleovirology with modern epidemiology, addressing issues like zoonotic origins and viral adaptation. He serves as an associate editor for BMC Evolutionary Biology and editorial board member of Evolutionary Biology.

• Education: Background in virology and evolutionary biology, though specific qualifications are not detailed in the text.

Research interests include:

• Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and their role in host immunity/evolution
• SARS-CoV-2 origins and epidemiology
• Evolutionary mechanisms of viral pathogenesis
• Phylogenetic analysis of viral families (e.g., hepaciviruses, papillomaviruses)

Recent articles highlight his work on bat viruses ancestral to SARS-CoV-2, virophage interactions, and viral diversity in endangered species. His lab has mentored students like Charles Reuben Hugo de Souza and Nikita Trojanskis. Grants and collaborations are implied through his extensive publication record and editorial roles. The Paleovirology Lab is part of Oxford's interdisciplinary initiatives, such as Oxford Mosaic.