Rate My Professor Wendy Barclay

Barclay's research specializes in the molecular mechanisms underlying respiratory virus infections, particularly influenza viruses, encompassing seasonal strains, zoonotic avian influenza with pandemic potential, and their adaptation to human hosts. Her laboratory investigates evolutionary dynamics, host range expansion, virus-host interactions including the key role of the ANP32A protein in replication and host restriction, and strategies to block transmission. Her team conducted the world's first SARS-CoV-2 human challenge study, advancing understanding of emerging pathogens, and leads efforts on threats like H5N1 through consortia such as G2P. Barclay advises on national and international panels, including the UK New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group, DEFRA exotic diseases group, Roslin and Pirbright Institutes, and previously chaired the Microbiology Society Virus Division as its first female leader. She engages in public communication via the Science Media Centre and has mentored researchers now at organizations like the UK Health Security Agency, WHO Collaborating Centre, and Pirbright Institute. Her impactful contributions earned a CBE in 2022 for virology and COVID-19 research, the Microbiology Society Prize Medal in 2023, Peter Wildy Prize in 2016, Barcroft Medal in 2023, Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences in 2019, and EMBO membership in 2024.