David Safronetz

Dr. David Safronetz is a principal investigator at the Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory and an adjunct professor at the University of Manitoba's Max Rady College of Medicine. His research program focuses on highly pathogenic zoonotic viruses, including hantaviruses, Lassa virus, Lujo virus, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus.

• University of Manitoba, PhD (Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases)
• University of Manitoba, MSc (Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases)
• University of Saskatchewan, BSc (Medical Microbiology & Immunology)

Dr. Safronetz's research involves developing and characterizing in vitro and in vivo disease models to understand viral pathogenesis and evaluate medical countermeasures. Notable achievements include creation of a non-human primate model for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and advancement of a Lassa fever vaccine candidate through pre-clinical trials.

His publications from 2015-2025 demonstrate sustained expertise in hemorrhagic fever virology, with recent focus on antiviral therapies (cidofovir/brincidofovir efficacy against Monkeypox) and mucosal immunity mechanisms in influenza. Articles span disease modeling, immunobiology, and public health interventions.

• 2015 NIH Director’s Award
• 2014 NIAID Merit Award
• 2013 NIH Performance Award
• 2011-2012 NIH Fellows Association Research Excellence Award
• 2008-2012 NIH Visiting Fellowship

Dr. Safronetz currently does not accept graduate students but collaborates extensively with international research teams across virology, immunology, and public health domains. His work receives funding from multiple NIH and Canadian health agencies.