Warwick academic secures national funding to advance pandemic virus research
An Assistant Professor in the School of Life Sciences, Dr Keown is among 55 early career researchers across the UK to receive funding through the Academy of Medical Sciences’ Springboard programme, which is investing £6.7 million in discovery-driven health research.
His project will investigate how such viruses replicate at the molecular level – a critical step towards developing new antiviral therapies and improving preparedness for future health emergencies, reinforcing the University’s leading role in addressing global health challenges.
Dr Jeremy Keown, said: “This funding will enable my group at Warwick to investigate how a potentially pandemic virus replicates at the molecular level and provide a foundation for the development of urgently needed antiviral therapies. By advancing this work, we are helping to strengthen the global effort to understand and combat emerging viral threats.”
The Springboard programme supports researchers at a pivotal stage in their careers, enabling them to establish independent research programmes and pursue ambitious, curiosity-driven ideas that underpin future treatments and interventions.
Now in its eleventh year, the scheme has supported 471 researchers at 68 UK institutions, with more than £50.5 million invested since 2015. This year’s awards, backed by the UK Government, Wellcome, and the British Heart Foundation, span a wide range of health challenges, including infectious diseases, dementia and chronic pain.
UK Science Minister Lord Vallance FMedSci, said: “To tackle cruel diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and chronic pain, and ultimately save lives, we must help researchers to take their ambitious discovery-stage work to the next level. This support is backing researchers at a stage where attracting commercial investment can be a challenge and builds on the Government’s record investment in research – unlocking more discoveries that benefit people across the UK and beyond.”
Dr Keown’s funding underscores Warwick’s commitment to research that delivers global impact, helping the international community better understand and respond to future pandemics.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information please contact:
Matt Higgs, PhD | Media & Communications Officer (Warwick Press Office)
Email: Matt.Higgs@warwick.ac.uk | Phone: +44(0)7880 175403
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15 April 2026