Alan Hsu

Dr. Alan Hsu is an Honorary Senior Lecturer in the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy at the University of Newcastle, specializing in Immunology and Microbiology. His research focuses on respiratory viruses and human innate immunity, with particular emphasis on understanding molecular mechanisms of viral diseases in both healthy individuals and those with chronic airways diseases such as asthma and COPD.

Dr. Hsu earned his PhD in Medicine from the University of Newcastle. His research has centered on viral pathogenesis, host immune responses to respiratory viruses, and development of novel therapeutic strategies against influenza and coronaviruses.

His research interests span virology (35%), respiratory diseases (30%), and innate immunity (35%). Dr. Hsu investigates how viruses interact with host cells, particularly focusing on influenza and coronaviruses, and how these interactions lead to disease progression in vulnerable populations. He has made significant contributions to understanding how viral proteins disrupt human antiviral networks and how microRNAs contribute to inflammatory responses during viral infections.

Analysis of Dr. Hsu's recent publications reveals a strong focus on respiratory viral infections, host immune responses, and the pathogenesis of chronic respiratory diseases. His work spans fundamental virology, immunology, and translational research aimed at developing new therapeutic approaches. Key themes include virus-host interactions, inflammation regulation, and identifying novel targets for treating viral respiratory diseases.

• 2018 Federation of Immunological Societies Asia-Oceania (FIMSA) Travel fellowship
• 2015 Federation of Immunological Societies Asia-Oceania (FIMSA) Travel fellowship
• 2014 The Milstein Travel Awards
• 2012 TSANZ Travel Award
• 2009 TSANZ Travel Award
• 2019 Frontiers Spotlight Award - FINALIST
• 2013 Priority Research Centre Early Career Research Development Award
• 2016 TSANZ / AstraZeneca Respiratory Research Fellowship
• 2012 Winner - Ann Woolcock Young Investigator Award

Dr. Hsu has served as a PhD thesis defense examiner and MSc thesis examiner, demonstrating his role in academic supervision. His grant activities include the 2016 TSANZ/AstraZeneca Respiratory Research Fellowship and review roles for the National Health & Medical Research Council and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (UK). His research has been supported through various competitive funding mechanisms focusing on influenza virus, avian influenza virus transmission, and innate immunity.

Dr. Hsu is actively involved in the Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs at the University of Newcastle, collaborating with researchers across multiple institutions including CSIRO, Kyoto University, and various Australian research institutes. His laboratory work focuses on deciphering viral protein functions, characterizing innate immune mechanisms that restrict viral entry and replication, and identifying factors that modulate inflammation and immunopathology during respiratory viral infections.