Santseharay Ramirez Almeida

Santseharay Ramirez Almeida is an Associate Professor at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, where she has been employed since 2017. She is part of the Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP) and also affiliated with the Department of Infectious Diseases at Hvidovre Hospital. Dr. Ramirez Almeida is a prominent researcher in RNA virology with a focus on antiviral resistance mechanisms and viral evolution.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Medicine, University of Barcelona (2010)
• MSc in Microbiology, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona (2007)
• BSc in Biotechnology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain (2004)

Dr. Ramirez Almeida's research primarily focuses on RNA viruses, particularly hepatitis C virus (HCV). She pioneered the development of efficient cell culture systems for studying HCV, which have been critical for groundbreaking studies on antiviral activity and resistance. Her work demonstrated that HCV can develop resistance against nucleotide analogs like sofosbuvir, challenging previous theories about the high barrier to resistance. Currently, she leads a research group studying the molecular mechanisms behind broad-spectrum nucleotide analogs across different RNA virus families (Flaviviridae, Coronaviridae, Togaviridae), with the goal of developing better antivirals to address emerging viral diseases.

Her publication record shows a clear evolution from focused HCV research to broader studies on RNA viruses, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent work demonstrates significant contributions to understanding SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms, antiviral resistance, and vaccine development, while maintaining her expertise in HCV research. This interdisciplinary approach bridges traditional virology with emerging pandemic threats.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Læge Sofus Carl Emil Friis og Hustru Olga Doris Friis' Legat (2021)
• Ministry of Higher Education and Science coronavirus research funding (2020)
• Region H Research Fond for Medical Research 2019
• Novo Nordisk Foundation: Distinguished Investigator Grant 2019
• Danish Council for Independent Research grants (2011-2019)
• Lundbeck Foundation grant (2012)

Dr. Ramirez Almeida has extensive experience mentoring students, having tutored 3 undergraduates, 3 Master's students, and 6 Ph.D. students. Currently, she serves as the main supervisor for 3 Ph.D. students and oversees a laboratory technician and 2 postdocs. Her research has been supported by numerous grants from prestigious organizations including the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Danish Council for Independent Research, and Lundbeck Foundation. She also serves as a reviewer for major journals including Gastroenterology, PLoS Pathogens, and Journal of Virology.

Dr. Ramirez Almeida leads a research group within the Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP) that focuses on developing cell culture systems for studying viruses in vitro and investigating the molecular mechanisms of antiviral activity and resistance. Her team has made significant contributions to understanding viral evolution and resistance mechanisms, with applications to both hepatitis C and emerging viruses like SARS-CoV-2.