David Safronetz, BSc, MSc, PhD

Research summary

Dr. David Safronetz's research focuses on neglected highly pathogenic zoonotic viruses, including hantaviruses, Lassa virus, Lujo virus, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. His work involves characterizing and developing in vitro and in vivo disease models to understand viral pathogenesis and evaluate medical countermeasures.

Research affiliations

Research scientist

• Public Health Agency of Canada, National Microbiology Laboratory Branch, Special Pathogens

Brief bio

Dr. David Safronetz is a principal investigator at the National Microbiology Laboratory of the Public Health Agency of Canada and an adjunct professor at the University of Manitoba. As chief of special pathogens, he oversees a diverse research program focusing on emerging and high consequence viral pathogens. His research achievements include developing and characterizing several disease models, such as a non-human primate model for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, and advancing the pre-clinical development of a Lassa fever vaccine candidate. Dr. Safronetz has a background from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases' Rocky Mountain Laboratories and has published extensively in his field.

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy, Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba (2008)
• Master of Science, Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba (2003)
• Bachelor of Science (Honours), Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Saskatchewan (2000)

Awards

2015

• NIH Director’s Award

2014

• NIAID Merit Award

2013

• NIH Performance Award

2011-2012

• NIH Fellows Association Research Excellence Award

2008-2012

• National Institutes of Health Visiting Fellowship