Muhammad Munir

Professor Muhammad Munir is a virologist specializing in Virology and Viral Zoonoses at Lancaster University's Faculty of Health and Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Life Sciences. His research focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms of zoonotic viruses, particularly influenza and Newcastle disease viruses, with a focus on host-virus interactions, vaccine development, and avian disease control.

His laboratory is equipped with CL3 facilities, housing avian virus banks and chicken egg facilities. Funded by the BBSRC, British Council, Newton Fund, and industry partners, his work emphasizes translational research in viral pathobiology, antiviral therapies, and oncolytic virus applications. Key projects include developing genotype-matched Newcastle disease vaccines for Africa and investigating viral immune evasion mechanisms.

Professor Munir leads interdisciplinary teams and collaborates globally, with projects addressing food security, rapid diagnostic systems, and viral contamination in cell cultures. His editorial roles include journals like Frontiers in Microbiology and Scientific Reports. Recent work includes studies on SARS-CoV-2 misinformation and the molecular characterization of emerging avian pathogens.