The Role of Waterbirds in the Genesis of Pandemic Influenza Viruses

Dr. Robert G. Webster has been named the 2010 Mendel Medal recipient. Dr. Webster will deliver the 2010 Mendel Medal Lecture on Friday, Sept. 24, at 2 p.m., in the Villanova Room of Connelly. The title of his lecture is, "The role of waterbirds in the genesis of pandemic influenza viruses."

Dr. Webster is Professor in the Division of Virology; Department of Infectious Diseases at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and holds the Rose Marie Thomas Chair. Dr. Webster's interests include the emergence and control of influenza viruses, viral immunology, the structure and function of influenza virus proteins and the development of new vaccines and antivirals. The major focus of his research is the importance of influenza viruses in wild aquatic birds as a major reservoir of influenza viruses and their role in the evolution of new pandemic strains for humans and lower animals.

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Education

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• villanova
• waterbird
• influenza
• virus
• robert webster
• mendel