Aldo Dekker

Aldo Dekker is a researcher in Virology & Molecular Biology at Wageningen University & Research, where he has led multiple national and EU-funded projects on foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) and related animal diseases. His work spans vaccine development, immunogenicity studies, diagnostic assays, and outbreak preparedness. He has served as a (co-)promotor for PhD candidates and is actively involved in scientific communication and policy advice.

Research Interests: Dr. Dekker's research focuses on the molecular and immunological aspects of FMDV, including antigenic variation, vaccine potency, transmission dynamics, and the development of novel diagnostic tools using single-domain antibodies and virus-like particles. His work bridges basic virology and applied veterinary science, aiming to improve animal health and prevent disease outbreaks.

The most recent publications highlight a shift toward advanced in-vitro methods for vaccine testing, structural insights into FMDV antigenicity, and the use of machine learning for early disease detection. His contributions span high-impact journals such as Nature Communications, Vaccine, and Eurosurveillance, reflecting both academic rigor and public health relevance.

Scientific Awards:

• No scientific awards explicitly mentioned in the provided text.

Advising and Grants: Dr. Dekker has supervised PhD candidates such as H. Li and C. Bravo de Rueda Cabrera. He has led major research projects including 'Vesiculaire ziekten en leukose' (2008–2025), 'EU MKZ DISCONVAC', and 'MKZ-NDV vectorvaccin', demonstrating sustained funding and leadership in animal disease research.

Labs and Teams: He is embedded in a collaborative network at Wageningen University & Research, working with experts in virology, immunology, and veterinary epidemiology. His team engages in both experimental research and policy-oriented reporting, such as expert assessments for disease control groups.