Dr Jason Long

Dr Jason Long is a Principal Scientist in the Influenza Resource Centre (IRC) in the Division of Virology at NIBSC. The IRC is a WHO Essential Regulatory Laboratory (ERL) in WHO’s Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS). Together with Dr Othmar Engelhardt, Jason leads a team of scientists who fulfil the IRC’s ERL critical functions, connecting surveillance and risk assessment activities with influenza vaccine response, particularly in relation to the development, standardization and regulation of influenza vaccines.

Jason received a doctorate degree from Imperial College London (ICL), joint with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), under supervision from Professor Wendy Barclay (ICL) and Dr Jill Banks (APHA), which examined virulence mechanisms of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses. Postdoctoral research at ICL included the discovery of an essential host factor, ANP32A, and its role in the host restriction of the influenza virus polymerase.

Jason’s research interests focus on the exploitation of Influenza virus’ reliance on host cellular factors as a means to identify novel interventions and tools. Current research includes the investigation of novel methods to generate candidate viral vaccines, the development of serological assays for influenza virus, and methods of vaccine evaluation.

Jason is involved in various WHO projects, working with global partners to ensure effective seasonal and pandemic global influenza vaccine campaigns.