Emeritus Professor Polly Roy OBE FMedSci
Professor of virology
UAB
Elected Fellow 2006
molecular virology, enzymes critical to RNA processing, protein engineering, biochemical pathways, designer vaccines, virus structure, host factors in virus replication
Professor Polly Roy is Professor of Virology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. She has made substantial contributions through her studies of multi-shelled viruses of serious health and economic impact. Professor Roy’s most important contribution has been the provision of the first complete molecular description of a distinct group of viruses, Orbiviruses and this understanding, gained through a combination or virology, molecular and structural studies, has been instrumental in opening the way for the improved diagnosis of infections caused by these agents, new methods for the production of vaccines that prevent disease, and support for the area of structure based drug design. In addition to research that directly addresses health related issues, Professor Roy has demonstrated leadership in her field, excellence in scientific administration and mentorship to a large number of younger scientists. Professor Roy is a skilled educator and public speaker, promoting the sciences allied to medicine. Her use of molecular technologies in research to address emerging infectious diseases is a notable contribution. Her international successful virology symposium series, began 20 years ago, brought together double-stranded RNA virologists in a uniquely productive way and continues to this day. Professor Roy is an accomplished scientific writer among molecular and structural virologists and has described advances of direct impact on the development of novel strategies for human and animal therapeutics and vaccines and it is to her that the most authoritative virology texts turn for expert reviews.