Scott Weaver

Scott Weaver is a Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of Medicine, holding appointments in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology and Pathology. He serves as Director of the Institute for Human Infections & Immunity (IHII) and Scientific Director of the Galveston National Laboratory (GNL). His career spans over four decades, with leadership roles in NIH-funded centers including the World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and the West African Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases.

• Education:
  • PhD in Molecular Biology and Virology, University of California, San Diego (1993)
  • MS in Medical Entomology, Cornell University (1982)
  • BS in Biology and Music, College of William and Mary (1979)

Dr. Weaver's research integrates arbovirology, zoonotic disease ecology, and vaccine development. His work analyzes mosquito-virus interactions and cross-protective immunity, focusing on Zika, Chikungunya, and SARS-CoV-2 variants. Recent projects examine alphavirus receptors and CRISPR-Cas therapeutics.

His 2025 publications highlight advancements in photohydrolysis for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation, VLA1553 vaccine cross-neutralization, and BDGR-164 antiviral efficacy. Collaborations span institutions including Harvard University, Washington University, and the Fogarty International Center.

• Scientific Awards:
  • John Sealy Distinguished University Chair in Human Infections and Immunity

Dr. Weaver leads two NIH-funded centers and multiple grants such as Flavivirus and Alphavirus ReVAMPP (NIH U19AI181960) and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Research (NIH R01AI182377). His team trains researchers in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Brazil through the TRAIN and West African Center initiatives.