Coming upMon 2 Nov 2026,
Hidden in the fold: Structural complexity and functional versatility in the genomes of RNA viruses
The folded shapes of viral genetic material, and how they help viruses adapt, evolve, and survive in their hosts.
The defense
From the University of Groningen agenda
- When
- Mon 2 Nov 2026, 90 min
- Where
- University of Groningen, NetherlandsScience and Engineering
- Supervisors
- Language
- English
- Stream
- on university player
Stream link
A doctoral defense is public: anyone may watch.
About the thesis
This thesis investigates how three-dimensional RNA folding governs viral function. Mapping the SARS-CoV-2 genome base by base identified vital structures that might serve as drug targets. Comparing orthoflaviviruses, including dengue and Zika, further revealed that conserved RNA shapes expose evolutionary links missed by genetic sequences alone.
The project also monitored polycipiviruses in wild garden ant colonies in the Netherlands, finding that infections can persist without causing obvious disease. These observations show the value of studying natural environments to understand viral ecology and evolution, establishing RNA as a primary driver of viral adaptability.
Read the thesisUniversity announcement
Is this your defense?
Write the featured defense page: an opening, a pull quote, and three questions. Sending it for review claims the defense as yours.
Listed from the University of Groningen agenda.