معرفی
Professor Reidun Twarock is a leading academic in Mathematical Virology at the University of York, Department of Mathematics. Her pioneering work combines mathematics, biophysics, and bioinformatics to elucidate viral assembly mechanisms, particularly focusing on the 'assembly code' governing viral particle formation. She co-discovered the virus assembly mechanism in bacteriophage MS2 and human pathogens, revolutionizing anti-viral therapy design.
Research interests include viral genome organization, RNA-protein interactions, and structural transitions in viral capsids. Her work bridges theoretical and experimental virology, with applications in vaccine design and gene therapy. Key contributions include the 'mathematical microscope' approach, cryo-EM visualization of viral structures, and computational models predicting capsid architectures.
Her publications highlight advancements in understanding viral RNA packaging signals, capsid symmetry-breaking mutations, and therapeutic strategies against hepatitis B and SARS-CoV-2. Awards include Fellowship of the Royal Society (2025), recognizing her transformative contributions to virology and bionanotechnology.
- Awards: Fellow of the Royal Society (2025)
Advising focuses on interdisciplinary research at the interface of mathematics and virology. Grants supported projects on viral assembly mechanisms and anti-viral drug development. Her lab is internationally recognized for integrating mathematical modeling with experimental virology to address global health challenges.
