A renowned virologist visits KAU
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Professor Robert Webster, of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, US, was received on Wednesday by Prof Adnan Zahed, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research.
The visit was part of a programme aimed at attracting international highly-cited scientists in the drive to make King Abdulaziz University (KAU) a world class centre of research and learning.
The meeting was attended by Prof Abdullah Y. Obaid, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, Dr Osama Abu Zinadah, Head of the Department of Biological Sciences, Dr Sari Sabban and Dr Ahmed M. Ahmed M. M. Al-Hejin of the Department of Biology.
Professor Herbert is due to give lectures and share expertise with KAU faculty.
Prof Webster’s interests include the structure and function of influenza virus proteins and the development of new vaccines and antivirals; the importance of influenza viruses in wild birds as a major reservoir of influenza viruses and their role in the evolution of new pandemic strains for humans and lower animals. His curriculum vitae contains over 600 original articles and reviews on influenza viruses. He has mentored many individuals who have been successful in contributing to our knowledge of influenza as an emerging pathogen.
The purpose of the visit, according to Professor Zahed, was to discuss aspects of mutual cooperation in scientific research in line with KAU's policy of seeking to provide a high-quality education and taking advantage of the capacity and expertise of other local and foreign universities and scientists. |
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