Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 15/09/2026link to apply -> virusdetective.eu/index.php/re...virusdetective.euDoctoral projects 000
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 15/09/2026🔬 Main supervisor: Prof Claire Smith, UCL 🇬🇧 👩🔬 Co-supervisor: Dr Katja Wolthers, Amsterdam UMC 🇳🇱 🏢 Co-supervisor: Dr Neil Almond, MHRA 🇬🇧 📍 Location: University College London, UK ⏳ Duration: 3 years ✈️ International secondment: 5 months in The Netherlands 🇳🇱 100
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 15/09/2026DC-14 project will develop patient-derived organoids from immunocompromised children to test repurposed antivirals against clinically important viruses 100
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 15/09/2026The successful candidate will join DETECTIVE, a multidisciplinary group of 22 partners developing innovative methods to detect emerging pathogens earlier, understand who is most at risk, and translate the complex multi-source data into real-time, evidence-based decisions and clinical applications. 100
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 15/09/2026🎓 Open PhD Position 🦠 PhD topic: DC14 – Repurposing antivirals for clinical use and their real-life effectiveness 📅 Deadline: 8 October 2026 More info here lnkd.in/e-j9N7Xg Applicants can not have resided in UK for last 12 months #PhD #PhDPosition #MSCA #MarieSkłodowskaCurie #ResearchJobslnkd.inLinkedInThis link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn 112
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 23/07/2026Really pleased to announce my promotion to Professor of Respiratory Infection and Epithelial Biology @ucl.ac.uk. I couldn't have got here without some amazing people and mentors along the way, and the hard work of current and past group members. #FirstGenPhD #FirstGenProf #promotions 072
Reposted by Dr Claire Smith Eric Topol @erictopol.bsky.social · 13/07/2026To get better protection against respiratory infections and transmission we need to achieve nasal immunity. A new @cp-immunity.bsky.social review www.cell.com/immunity/abs...cell.comNasal immunity in respiratory viral infection, transmission, and protectionThe nasal mucosa is a key decision point during respiratory viral infection. Here, Kazer et al. review new understanding of how local host cell subsets respond during viral infection and how this know... 617953
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 13/07/2026#NatureCommunications #RSV #Neutrophils #AnimalFreeResearch #PaediatricResearch 000
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 13/07/2026Huge congratulations to first authors #MachaelaPalor and #TerezaMasonou and to the whole team @uclchildhealth.bsky.social @epicentr.bsky.social and our collaborators. Thank you to families who took part, and to funders #AnimalFreeResearchUK and UKRI/BBSRC 102
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 13/07/2026The takeaway: antiviral drug discovery needs better mpdels. Ones that consider the inflammatory host response, and not just measure a decrease in viral load. 100
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 13/07/2026Using a paediatric airway model that combines epithelium, endothelium and primary neutrophils, we found that two antivirals both cut viral load, but only RSV604 reduced MPO. 100
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 13/07/2026Delighted to share our new paper, out now in @natureportfolio.nature.com where we show that neutrophil myeloperoxidase (MPO) tracks RSV severity in infants, and can be used as a functional readout of therapeutic efficacy in the lab. 📄 Read it (open access) 👉 rdcu.be/ftx53rdcu.beNeutrophil myeloperoxidase as a functional biomarker for RSV severity: implications for in vitro therapeutic screeningNature Communications - Preclinical human models are needed to investigate mechanisms and evaluate therapies for severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in children. The authors here... 1114
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 01/05/2026Thoroughly enjoyed my first #ICAR2026 in Prague! I was inspired by the spirit of collaboration from everyone involved. Made many new connections and had great discussions, which I hope will help accelerate antiviral research in the years ahead. Thanks @isaricar.bsky.social #Antivirals 051
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 14/04/2026Really enjoyed Day 1 of #microbio26 with time to explore sunny(ish) Belfast and catch up with old friends. If you're around today come check out my talk at 2:30 in the 'out of body experience' session @microbiologysociety.org 081
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 15/03/2026Ah fab! These were favourite and regular haunts of my misspent teenage years. Many post-pub soul searching was done on that bench overlooking the rest of Kent. And some Trivial Pursuit was played too if I remember..We were wild kids 😂 102
Reposted by Dr Claire Smith Matthias Eberl @eberlmat.bsky.social · 15/02/2026A reminder that measles cannot be treated, it can only be prevented. It is one of the most contagious diseases in the world and can cause blindness, deafness and life-threatening lung and brain infections.theguardian.comMore than 60 children infected in north London measles outbreakCases reported in seven schools and a nursery in Enfield amid concern over low levels of MMR vaccination in capital 25330
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 13/02/2026Fantastic final day at #AIR2026. A masterclass in in vitro modelling by Scott Randall followed by a great panel discussion with funders @asthmaandlung.org.uk @wellcometrust.bsky.social @cysticfibrosis.org.uk @karlstaples.bsky.social 032
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 12/02/2026Another insightful day of science, discussion and making new friends at #AIR2026 Day 2 Highlights: making sense of big data, spatial transcriptomics and in vitro modelling of respiratory infections @eventswcs.bsky.social @sangerinstitute.bsky.social 134
Reposted by Dr Claire Smith UK Health Security Agency @ukhsa.bsky.social · 26/01/2026UKHSA responds to the confirmation from @WHO that the UK has lost its measles elimination status. Read more from WHO here: bit.ly/3YZuOFa 6121104
Reposted by Dr Claire Smith UCL @ucl.ac.uk · 21/01/20263 weeks until UCL turns 200! 🎉 From library all‑nighters to the friendships that shaped your journey, UCL has meant so much to so many. What’s your standout UCL memory? 📸 Oct 2017 #LoveUCL entry #UCL200 4173
Reposted by Dr Claire Smith Tom Peacock @peacockflu.bsky.social · 20/01/2026Really excited our paper about how H5N1 rapidly adapted to cattle (and how these adaptations also increased its ability to infect cells from the human respiratory tract) is now published! www.nature.com/articles/s41...nature.comPolymerase mutations underlie early adaptation of H5N1 influenza virus to dairy cattle and other mammals - Nature CommunicationsAvian influenza jumped from wild birds into dairy cattle. Here, the authors report that two mutations in the viral polymerase helped the virus to quickly adapt to cattle. Mutations increased the polym... 18543
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 13/01/2026Thinking of pursuing research in Child Health sciences? Join our upcoming online information session where you’ll find out what it’s like to study at a world-leading institution. 🌍 📅 Child Health MRes – 9 February, 17:00-18:00 🔗 Secure your place: www.ucl.ac.uk/population-h...ucl.ac.ukGraduate Open Events: Paediatric and Child HealthExplore Master’s degrees in Child Health and Paediatric Neuropsychology. Join our virtual open events to meet Programme Directors and plan your next career step. 000
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 03/01/2026I noticed the train is late lol! That doesn't bode well for Monday 🙄 110
Reposted by Dr Claire Smith Ed Hutchinson @socialinfluenza.bsky.social · 17/11/2025If you'd like to celebrate the biology of viruses - or the fight against viral diseases - this winter, try out our free and updated #VirusSnowflake designs. Please share, and if you have any photos of Virus Snowflakes in your area it would be lovely to see them! cvr-engagement.co.uk/virus-snowfl... 48055
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 20/11/2025Deadline for abstracts extended to 1st December 000
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 16/11/2025It's a been a while, thanks for reminder! ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜ ⬜⬜⬜🟩⬜ ⬜⬜🟩🟩⬜ ⬜🟩🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 100
Reposted by Dr Claire Smith Daniel Goldhill @influenzal.bsky.social · 14/11/2025Finished a virology PhD or finishing soon? Check out this job - www.healthjobsuk.com/job/UK/Londo...healthjobsuk.comJob vacancy: Healthcare Scientist, UK Health Security Agency, London | trac.jobs 043
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 15/10/2025🚨 New preprint from the group - #Neutrophil myeloperoxidase as a functional biomarker for RSV severity: implications for in vitro therapeutic screening. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...biorxiv.orgNeutrophil myeloperoxidase as a functional biomarker for RSV severity: implications for in vitro therapeutic screening.Neutrophils play a dual role in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, contributing to both viral clearance and lung damage. Analysis of peripheral blood-derived neutrophils from infants with RS... 000
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 08/10/2025Interested in respiratory infections? who isn't! Then register for this fab conference with a fantastic line-up of speakers and sessions @sangerinstitute.bsky.social Abstract submission open until 17th Nov!! @eventswcs.bsky.social coursesandconferences.wellcomeconnectingscience.org/event/air-20... 132
Reposted by Dr Claire Smith Ed Hutchinson @socialinfluenza.bsky.social · 04/06/2025Please join us if you can for this year's Influenza Update Meeting, and please spread the news! It will be another fun opportunity to meet other influenza researchers, make connections and discuss our ongoing research. 043
Reposted by Dr Claire Smith Ed Hutchinson @socialinfluenza.bsky.social · 30/01/2025Our study on pasteurising influenza viruses in milk is now out! It's a nice simple story: influenza viruses (including H5N1) are killed really effectively by pasteurisation, but in raw milk they stay infectious - obvious public health implications of both points... (1/2) rdcu.be/d73te 815684
Reposted by Dr Claire Smith Tom Peacock @peacockflu.bsky.social · 07/01/2025Really proud to share our preprint describing early adaptation of H5N1 to US dairy cattle, and showing how these mutations enhance the ability of the virus to infect other mammals, such as pigs and humans. With @influenzal.bsky.social @vidhid.bsky.social @drclairesmith.bsky.social and many more!biorxiv.orgPolymerase mutations underlie adaptation of H5N1 influenza virus to dairy cattle and other mammals.In early 2024, an unprecedented outbreak of H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza was detected in dairy cattle in the USA. The epidemic remains uncontrolled, with spillbacks into poultry, wild birds... 9349157
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 18/12/2024Shoutout to the incredible team - Max, Sam, Japhette and Amy- who drove this over the line 🧪👏 ! #TeamScience 020
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 18/12/2024🚨 New paper alert! We developed a simple cell assay to evaluate drug efficacy and synergy against emerging SARS-CoV-2 strains. Here we test both novel and repurposed antiviral drugs, identifying synergies that could enhance treatment effectiveness. Read more here: journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/...journals.asm.orgEfficient in vitro assay for evaluating drug efficacy and synergy against emerging SARS-CoV-2 strains | Antimicrobial Agents and ChemotherapyBroad-spectrum antivirals approved for treating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), such as remdesivir, molnupiravir, favipiravir, and nirmatrelvir, target key viral enzymes ... 1153
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 11/12/2024last 2 days to apply! : We have a fully funded #PhD #studentship available in my lab for Oct25 @UCLchildhealth. Project will research new treatments/targets for airway inflammation during viral infection using complex in vitro models. Deadline 13th Dec Apply here: forms.office.com/pages/respon...ucl.ac.ukUCL – University College LondonUCL is consistently ranked as one of the top ten universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2010-2022) and is No.2 in the UK for research power (Research Excellence Framework 2021). 021
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 01/12/2024Hopefully the paper will be coming soon, watch this space! 120
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 01/12/2024we showed that antivirals remdesivir & RSV604, both reduce RSV viral load, but RSV604 uniquely modulates neutrophil activation—lowering degranulation (MPO/NE) and preserving cell viability. Showing that this model could offer advantages for #RSVTherapeutics 💊 120
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 01/12/2024we found that RSV drives neutrophil migration across the epithelial barrier, altering activation markers (CD11b, MPO, NE). we also show how endothelial cells modulate cytokine responses (IL-6, IL-8, IP-10) and neutrophil localisation. 110
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 01/12/2024Sure! we developed a co-culture model of airway epithelial, endothelial and neutrophils cells to simulate the air-blood barrier and study viral clearance & inflammation during RSV infection #RSV #Immunology funded by #animalfreeresearchuk #AFRUK 110
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 29/11/2024I'll be speaking this morning @btsrespiratory.bsky.social in "A Winter's Tale" session about the model we have developed to study RSV infection in children which was funded by Animal Free Research UK. Come find out more in Moore/4th at 11:05 #BTSwinter2024. 141
Reposted by Dr Claire Smith British Association for Lung Research @balrcommunity.bsky.social · 27/11/2024Emma Johnson and Tereza Masonou for the BALR early career researcher awards! Congratulations to both and to the BTS and Asthma+Lung UK winners! 053
Reposted by Dr Claire Smith Eric Topol @erictopol.bsky.social · 20/11/2024A big day of output for the Human Cell Atlas, a global collaborative project with 100 countries to understand our ~37 trillion cells A Wikipedia of our cells, a "remarkable achievement" nature.com/articles/d41... nature.com/immersive/d4... 7446100
Reposted by Dr Claire Smith Hensley Lab @scottehensley.bsky.social · 16/11/2024The preliminary sequence from the H5N1 human case in British Columbia has been posted and it is not good news. The virus potentially has a quasispecies at HA residue 226 (H3 numbering). This is bad news because we know that mutations at residue 226 can increase binding to human receptors. 1/ 2022154953
Reposted by Dr Claire Smith Helen Branswell 🇨🇦 @helenbranswell.bsky.social · 15/11/2024#USDA has confirmed 3 more #H5N1 #birdflu infected dairy herds in California, bringing the state's total to 294, nearly 27% of herds in the state. All those herds were recorded in the past 2.5 months. The cumulative national total is 508 herds across 15 states. www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po... 511346
Dr Claire Smith @drclairesmith.bsky.social · 29/09/2024Incredibly proud of our talented postdoc Tereza Masonou for her talk on how the neutrophil response to SARS-CoV-2 differs depending on the age of the infected nasal epithelial cells @options2024. If you're here come see our posters P153, P198, P139 & P461 later today! 160