Rik de Swart

Rik de Swart is an Associate Professor (0.2 FTE) at the Erasmus Medical Center, specializing in Virology & Molecular Biology. He holds a degree from Utrecht University (1984–1990) and has been affiliated with Erasmus MC since 1995.

Research Interests: Dr. de Swart focuses on viral pathogenesis, mucosal immunology, and vaccine development, particularly for respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, Newcastle disease virus, and influenza A viruses. His work emphasizes animal models, epithelial culture systems, and cross-species infections.

Recent Publications: His recent studies investigate vaccine-induced Th2 responses in SARS-CoV-2 models, bovine airway susceptibility to H5N1, and organoid tools for swine influenza characterization. Collaborative projects span virology, immunology, and veterinary science.

Projects: He leads initiatives like in vitro typering vogelgriep, Swine influenza A virus dynamics, and Viral Infectiology Research, supported by LVVN funding. These projects address viral transmission, vaccine safety, and advanced laboratory models.