David Bhella

Professor David Bhella is a Professor of Structural Virology at the University of Glasgow, based at the Centre for Virus Research in the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences. He leads a research group focused on applying electron-cryomicroscopy and image analysis techniques to study viruses and viral proteins.

His research interests span structural virology, with particular focus on:

• Virus structure and assembly mechanisms
• Viral entry processes
• Evolution in the face of host immunity
• Structural analysis of caliciviruses, coronaviruses, influenzaviruses and pneumoviruses

Professor Bhella's work leverages state-of-the-art instrumentation through the Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging (SCMI), with additional capabilities in correlative cryo-fluorescence imaging, high-pressure freezing, and automated freeze substitution. His research has produced numerous publications spanning over two decades, with recent work focusing on viral coinfections, capsid flexibility, and structural analysis of emerging pathogens including SARS-CoV-2.

His laboratory has received significant funding from major research councils including the Medical Research Council, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, and the Scottish Funding Council for projects related to cryo-EM infrastructure development and specific virology research questions.