Professor Wendy Barclay

Action Medical Research Chair in Virology, Department of Medicine

“I study influenza viruses. I am strangely in awe of these tiny entities that are so simple we can generate them de novo in the laboratory and yet they impart such devastating blows on humanity. My research ranges from understanding the molecular interactions that govern the way the virus subverts the host, to thinking about better ways to use vaccines and antiviral drugs against these tricky foes.

“I believe that good science happens when a group of people can exchange ideas in a manner uninhibited by age, gender, race or experience. It is a privilege to work as a scientist because our world is truly without boundaries.

“Communicating our science to the public is a crucial part of our role. We have to provide accessible and reliable knowledge to counter the misinformation that abounds today. Sharing our excitement about the discoveries we and others make will encourage more people to engage with science and persuade the younger generation that this is a worthy career.”