Zoonotic viruses are a key driver of pandemics, and understanding their dynamics is crucial for global health preparedness. Dr. Dalan Bailey will present his research on predicting the next pandemic pathogen, focusing on how emerging enveloped RNA viruses can adapt to new hosts.

Dr. Bailey will discuss the factors influencing zoonotic spillover, from macro-scale trends like human population growth and land use changes to molecular mechanisms involved in viral entry and immune evasion. He will emphasize the importance of a family-based approach in assessing pandemic risk and the need for broader research on RNA virus families.

As part of his work, Dr. Bailey’s group is investigating the conservation of receptor usage across viral families and how phylogenetic distance and receptor affinity may correlate with host range. By establishing connections between viral genotypes and host-range phenotypes, their aim is to enhance pandemic prediction models, equipping the global community with the tools to anticipate and respond to future outbreaks effectively.

The seminar will take place from 12:00 to 13:00 in the BDI building, seminar rooms, followed by lunch and networking from 13:00 to 14:00.