David J. Blackbourn

David J. Blackbourn is Professor of Virology and Interim Head of the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition at the University of Aberdeen. He previously served as Head of the School of Biosciences and Medicine at the University of Surrey and held academic positions at the University of Birmingham and the University of Glasgow. His career began in the USA at the University of California, where he worked on HIV and Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV).

His research focuses on how oncogenic viruses such as KSHV and HTLV-1 evade the immune system to persist and cause cancer. By studying these viruses, he aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms of immune regulation that can be leveraged for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. His work combines molecular virology, immunology, and translational research.

His recent publications emphasize viral immunomodulation, co-infections (KSHV/EBV), and contributions to public health through epidemiological studies on vitamin D deficiency in UK minority populations. He has published over 75 papers with more than 5,000 citations and secured over £8 million in research funding.

He is a founding director of Ducentis Biotherapeutics and co-founder of Dioka Therapeutics, translating his discoveries into novel therapeutics for autoimmune diseases and hypertension. He also serves as one of three Editors-in-Chief of FEMS Microbiology Reviews, a leading journal in microbiology.

David Blackbourn has supervised numerous research projects and is currently accepting PhD students in Biomedical Sciences. His leadership roles include directing the Institute of Medical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen and previously leading large academic units, demonstrating sustained impact in both research and academic administration.