Programme on Structural Virology

University of Helsinki

Director: Academy Professor Dennis Bamford
tel. +358 9 191 59100
fax  +358 9 191 59098
dennis.bamford(at)helsinki.fi

Centre of Excellence Homepage

Viruses are obligate cellular parasites which use the cellular machinery for their multiplication. Outside the cell, the virus particles are not capable of reproduction. Cells infected by viruses die or their viability is compromised. For this reason viruses cause severe diseases.

The programme focuses on how viruses are assembled, on exploring the detailed structure of component proteins and even large assemblages and how these work. The aim is to obtain new and more accurate information on the rules of how biological macromolecule complexes are assembled and use this information to combat viral infections.

In addition to the principal investigator (a professor), the Unit has a staff of five senior scientists, two post doctoral fellows, nine graduate students, two undergraduate students and eight technical personnel. The programme has close links to eminent internationally recognised research groups.