Dan Horton

Professor Dan Horton is a leading academic in Veterinary Virology and Associate Dean for Research and Innovation at the University of Surrey's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. He holds a Professorship in Veterinary Virology and is a Diplomate of the European College of Zoological Medicine (Wildlife Population Health). Horton's career combines clinical practice, research, and leadership, with a focus on zoonotic diseases, particularly rabies, and One Health approaches.

• Academic Roles:
• Professor of Veterinary Virology, School of Veterinary Medicine
• Associate Dean, Research and Innovation (FHMS)
• Elected University Council Representative

Education:

• MA Zoology (University of Cambridge, 1999)
• Vet MB (University of Cambridge, 2002)
• MSc Wild Animal Health (Royal Veterinary College, 2005)
• PhD (University of Cambridge, 2009)
• Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (University of Surrey, 2016)

Research Interests: Professor Horton's work centers on reducing zoonotic disease burden through interdisciplinary strategies. Key areas include:

• Evolution and control of viral pathogens at wildlife-livestock-human interfaces
• Rabies epidemiology and elimination strategies in Middle East and Africa
• One Health approaches to foodborne zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance
• Global biosecurity and veterinary laboratory capacity-building

Grants & Collaborations: Horton leads high-impact projects such as the One Health European Joint Programme (OneHealth EJP), focusing on SARS-CoV-2 preparedness and foodborne disease surveillance. He co-leads the COVRIN initiative for pandemic preparedness and collaborates globally on rabies control, including MERACON network initiatives.

Awards & Recognition:

• INSPIRE Award (Academy of Medical Sciences)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• Editor for PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases

Labs/Teams: Horton directs interdisciplinary teams in viral zoonosis research, including postdoctoral researchers Dr. Guido Cordoni and Dr. Elizabeth Royall. His lab collaborates with institutions like the Pirbright Institute and CDC Atlanta.