Wang Linfa

Prof Wang Linfa is a Professor in the Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases at Duke-NUS Medical School and the inaugural Executive Director of the Programme for Research in Epidemic Preparedness and Response (PREPARE), Singapore. He is a global authority on zoonotic diseases, bat immunology, and pathogen discovery. His work identified bats as the natural reservoir of SARS-CoV and led to breakthroughs in understanding bat-virus coexistence, including mechanisms of disease resistance. He has contributed to抗疫 efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic through antibody-based diagnostics and vaccine strategies.

Education:

• PhD in Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, USA
• Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, East China Normal University, China

Research Interests:

• Virology and emerging infectious diseases, including SARS-CoV-2 and bat-borne pathogens
• Bat immunology and mechanisms of viral tolerance
• Translation of bat biology to human disease models (e.g., inflammatory, metabolic, neurological disorders)
• Development of novel diagnostics and vaccination strategies

Key Contributions:

• Co-discoverer of bats as SARS-CoV reservoir (2005)
• Pioneered bat immunology research, identifying unique antiviral mechanisms
• Developed surrogate neutralization tests for SARS-CoV-2 (2020)
• Advisor to WHO on emerging viral threats

Awards:

• 2021 Singapore President’s Science Award
• 2021 Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology
• 2023 Member of the Australian Academy of Sciences

Labs/Teams:

• Leads multidisciplinary teams at Duke-NUS and PREPARE focused on viral emergence and bat biology
• Collaborates globally on outbreak preparedness and One Health initiatives