Marco Alves

Marco Alves is a Professor at the Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Bern and Head of the Research Group at the Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI). His work focuses on zoonotic viruses, maternal-fetal medicine, and neurovirology, with a strong emphasis on in vitro modeling and antiviral strategies.

• Key Affiliations: IVI (Bern and Mittelhäusern locations), Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases (MCID)
• Research Highlights: Developed human placental in vitro models for SARS-CoV-2, investigated viral transmission mechanisms in neural and respiratory systems, and explored interferon responses in respiratory epithelium.

Publications demonstrate expertise in Flaviviruses, Coronaviruses, and Pestiviruses, with recent work on aging-related susceptibility to viral infections and novel vaccine approaches. His team pioneered the Red Fox Airway Epithelial Cell Cultures for cross-species virology studies.

Scientific Awards:

• Egon-Naef-Stiftung Prize (2023) for in vitro modeling of SARS-CoV-2 placental infection

Student Mentorship: Supervises young researchers including Marion Stettler (avian influenza vaccines), Razieh Ardali (trained immunity), Amal Fahmi (fetal viral models), and Robin Avanthay (mucosal influenza vaccines).