Who We Are
Viruses are the simplest of biological systems, consisting only of protein and nucleic acid and incapable of reproducing themselves without a host. Yet viruses have made a huge impact on life throughout the centuries, from their role as infectious agents in devastating diseases (smallpox and AIDS) and pandemics (Influenza in 1918-1919 and SARS-Cov2 in 2019-2020) to their use as key tools in molecular biology. Virology research in Nebraska ranges across disciplines and into the frontiers of research, exploring the basic nature of viruses and their potential applications for diagnosing and controlling diseases in plants, animals, and humans.
Our Vision
The NCV was founded more than 20 years ago to establish a nationally recognized center for biomedical research excellence. NCV accomplishes this by an infrastructure connecting three schools: University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Creighton University, all excellent virology programs, and drawing bright new investigators with similar research interests to Nebraska.
Our Purpose
The NCV's overall goal is to increase competence in essential virology areas by:
- creating a multi-disciplinary atmosphere that encourages cross-fertilization and the development of a new generation of inventive researchers with a thorough understanding of the entire subject of virology.
- establishing and supporting collaborations between basic and clinical researchers working with human, animal, and plant systems with the unifying goal of elucidating viral pathogenesis and replication mechanisms. Understanding these basic processes allows for the development of new vaccines and therapeutics to prevent and combat disease.
- conducting ground-breaking research into infectious pathogens and the host responses that can result in pathological changes and disruption of the host.