David LV Bauer

David LV Bauer is a Professor and Group Leader at The Francis Crick Institute in London, UK, where he established his laboratory in 2020. His research focuses on RNA viruses, particularly influenza and SARS-CoV-2, investigating how viral RNA structure affects replication, transcription, and immune activation.

Dr. Bauer received his BS in Chemistry from the City College of New York in 2009 and was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford. He completed his DPhil in Clinical Medicine at Oxford in 2013, followed by a US National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellowship and additional postdoctoral training at Oxford, where he studied RNA polymerases and influenza virus transcription.

• BS in Chemistry, City College of New York (2009)
• Rhodes Scholar, University of Oxford (2009)
• DPhil in Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford (2013)
• US National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Oxford (2014)

His research spans RNA virology, viral replication mechanisms, immunology, and structural biology, with a particular focus on how RNA viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2 interact with host immune systems. Bauer's lab studies both fundamental virology at molecular and cellular levels, as well as population-level immune responses through collaborations like the Crick/UCLH Legacy Study and the West Africa, West Indies, West London Consortium.

Analyzing his recent publication record (2023-2025), Bauer's work demonstrates a strong focus on SARS-CoV-2 immunity, viral evolution, and vaccine responses. His research shows expertise in both experimental virology and computational analysis of immune responses, with publications spanning high-impact journals including Nature, Science, The Lancet, and PLOS Biology. His work bridges basic molecular virology with clinical and public health applications, particularly in understanding how viral RNA structure influences pathogenesis and immune recognition.

Dr. Bauer leads a research group that investigates four main themes: 1) Interplay between immunity and pathogenicity in COVID-19, 2) RNA-driven molecular virology of RNA viruses, 3) Molecular analysis of antigenic shift in RNA viruses, and 4) Exploring RNA biology to improve vaccines. His lab combines in vitro studies at atomic and cellular levels with in vivo research using animal models and human population studies.