Lars Erik Larsen

Lars Erik Larsen is a Professor in the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. He holds a full professorship in veterinary virology with a focus on virus infections in production animals, particularly swine viruses. He serves as head of the enzootic/zoonotic virus research group at UCPH and is scientifically responsible for the national surveillance program for Avian and Swine influenza viruses. Additionally, he chairs the Danish expert committee for avian influenza and Newcastle disease viruses and is a board member of the Danish Society of Virology.

His educational background includes:

• D.V.M. from The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Denmark (1991)
• Ph.D. from The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Denmark (1998)
• Diplomate of European College of Porcine Health Management (2008)

Lars Erik Larsen's research primarily focuses on influenza viruses in birds and pigs, investigating factors determining zoonotic potential and viral determinants controlling disease severity. His group was the first to demonstrate the distribution and composition of influenza A virus receptors in pig lungs. His work extends to other important viral infections in pigs including PRRSV, PCV-2, Hepatitis E, as well as viruses affecting calves, poultry, mink, and wildlife. His research employs cell cultures, animal models, reverse genetics systems for influenza virus manipulation, and both conventional and Next Generation Sequencing for viral evolution analysis. This research contributes to far-sighted contingency planning, up-to-date diagnostics, and assessment of zoonotic risks from emerging influenza viruses.

His recent publications (2025) demonstrate continued leadership in veterinary virology, with focus areas spanning wildlife virology, swine influenza diagnostics, avian influenza epidemiology, PRRSV transmission dynamics, and influenza receptor biology. These works reflect his dual focus on fundamental virological mechanisms and practical applications for disease control in livestock.

His notable scientific awards include:

• O. Jensen's Memorial Award for work on BRSV in calves (2002)
• European PCV2 Award from Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany (2008)
• European PRRSV Award from Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany (2019)
• PRRSV award from Boehringer Ingleheim AH, Germany (2020)

Professor Larsen has extensive experience mentoring students, having served as main supervisor for 10 PhD students and co-advisor for 25 master students. He is study responsible and main teacher of "Virology for Veterinary Students." His research is supported by substantial grants including FluZooMark (Novo Nordisk Foundation, 60 mill. DKK, 2020-2025), PRRSV research projects with SEGES (400,000 DKK), and swine influenza virus research (490,000 DKK).

He leads the enzootic/zoonotic virus research group at the University of Copenhagen, which currently consists of one post doc, one molecular biologist, three PhD students, and lab technicians. His work is conducted in close cooperation with The Danish Agriculture & Food Council, SEGES, and Kopenhagen Fur, contributing to Denmark's competitiveness in livestock production while improving animal welfare, productivity, and food safety.