Julian A. Hiscox

Professor Julian A. Hiscox is Chair in Infection and Global Health and Executive Dean for the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences at the University of Liverpool. Previously, he served as Deputy Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Impact in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. His academic journey began with a BSc in Genetics from University College London (1991) and a PhD in Virology from the University of Reading (1994), followed by post-doctoral training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Institute for Animal Health.

His research focuses on viral respiratory infections including SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and seasonal coronaviruses, alongside emerging threats such as Ebola virus and Mpox. His laboratory employs high-resolution approaches like RNA sequencing and proteomics coupled with AI/machine learning to understand host-pathogen interactions. The group works extensively at Containment Level 3 on pathogenic agents and has developed novel laboratory approaches and AI tools for virus detection and prediction.

Professor Hiscox is a co-opted member of NERVTAG until 2028 and previously participated in SAGE during the COVID-19 pandemic. His research group, comprising nine PDRAs and four PhD students, is supported by over £6M in funding from the FDA, UKRI, European Commission, and DSTL. He leads the FDA-funded program on SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV and maintains an adjunct position at A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs in Singapore.

• Leverhulme Research Fellowship (2009)

Professor Hiscox has supervised 41 PhD students to completion and teaches multiple virology modules including Emerging Infections and Pandemics, Global Outbreak Surveillance and Control, and VIRAL DISEASE MECHANISMS. His recent publications (2025) demonstrate a strong focus on viral pathogenesis, host responses, and therapeutic interventions across multiple viral pathogens including Ebola, SARS-CoV-2, and Mpox, with increasing integration of AI and machine learning approaches in virology research.