Richard Moxon

Professor Richard Moxon is a leading figure in pediatric infectious diseases and vaccinology at the University of Oxford. He serves as a Group Head and Principal Investigator at the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine within the Department of Paediatrics. His research has profoundly influenced vaccine development and public health policy, particularly in the areas of Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis. He played a foundational role in the creation of the Oxford Vaccine Group, a major European center for pediatric vaccine trials.

His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis, including lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, antigenic variation, and bacterial genome dynamics. His pioneering work on the Hib conjugate vaccine provided the scientific basis for widespread immunization programs. He was instrumental in the H. influenzae and N. meningitidis genome projects, enabling the discovery of novel vaccine candidates. His studies on contingency loci and phase variation have reshaped understanding of bacterial adaptability and vaccine escape.

His recent publications reflect a sustained focus on meningococcal vaccines, bacterial biofilms, and global vaccine policy. Themes across his work include genomic epidemiology, vaccine effectiveness, and the evolutionary behavior of pathogens. His research has been supported by major grants from the MRC and Wellcome Trust, contributing to the development of the Centre for Clinical Vaccinology in Oxford.

Scientific Awards:

• Research Career Development Award (1978-1983)

Prof. Moxon has mentored numerous students and researchers, though specific names are not listed. His work has been central to securing infrastructure funding and shaping national immunization strategies. He has collaborated extensively on large-scale vaccine research initiatives and clinical trials. His team has been involved in identifying vaccine candidates now in human Phase 2 trials.

He is affiliated with the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine and the Oxford Vaccine Group, where his research continues to explore the genetic and molecular basis of bacterial virulence and host-pathogen interactions.