Colin M Crump

Professor Colin M Crump is a Professor of Molecular Virology in the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge. He leads the Crump Group within the Virology Division, focusing on virus-cell interactions, particularly virus assembly, egress, and host-pathogen relationships.

Professor Crump received his academic training at the University of Bristol, earning both his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry. His educational background in biochemistry has informed his research approach to understanding viral mechanisms at the molecular level.

Dr. Crump's research program centers on understanding how viruses manipulate cellular pathways to establish infection and spread. His laboratory specifically studies three viral families: herpesviruses, polyomaviruses, and bunyaviruses, with particular focus on herpes simplex virus, BK polyomavirus, and Oropouche virus. His team employs advanced techniques including microscopy imaging, proteomics, and genome-wide genetic screens to gain comprehensive insights into virus replication mechanisms.

Analysis of Professor Crump's recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on understanding the molecular mechanisms of virus assembly and egress across multiple viral families. His work frequently identifies critical host factors that viruses exploit, with particular focus on cellular trafficking pathways, ubiquitination systems, and lipid metabolism. Recent studies have examined viral manipulation of immune responses, particularly how herpesviruses evade NKT cell recognition and interfere with innate immune sensing pathways.

Professor Crump has received significant recognition for his research, including:

• Wellcome Trust International Prize Travelling Research Fellowship (1999-2003)
• Royal Society University Research Fellowship (2005-2013)

Professor Crump actively mentors the next generation of virologists through his Crump Group, which currently includes PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, and visiting students. His teaching responsibilities include virology and cell biology, and he serves as course organizer for Part IB Biology of Disease at Cambridge. His research has been supported by prestigious fellowships including the Wellcome Trust and Royal Society, which have enabled him to establish his independent research program focusing on fundamental virology questions with potential therapeutic implications.

The Crump Group operates within the Virology Division of the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge. The group collaborates widely across disciplines and utilizes the Department's advanced facilities including the Pathogen Cryo-Imaging Facility in Cambridge (PaCIFiC), which enables high-resolution imaging of virus-host interactions. Their research has significant implications for understanding viral pathogenesis and identifying potential targets for antiviral therapies.