Professor Nathan W. Bartlett is a leading Australian viral immunologist with over two decades of experience translating fundamental discoveries in respiratory virus biology into clinical and industry applications. He is Professor and Head of the Viral Immunology and Respiratory Disease Group at the University of Newcastle and Director of the Infection Research Program at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), where he leads multidisciplinary teams focused on improving outcomes for patients with infectious and chronic airway diseases.

Professor Bartlett’s research centres on respiratory viruses including rhinovirus, influenza, RSV, and SARS‑CoV‑2, with a particular emphasis on how the airway epithelium detects infection and mounts antiviral responses. His work has been instrumental in defining the role of innate immune pathways—especially interferons and Toll‑like receptor signalling—in determining susceptibility to infection and disease severity. These insights have directly informed the development of novel therapeutic strategies designed to enhance antiviral immunity at mucosal surfaces.

He has secured substantial funding from biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and global food sector partners, working across projects such as nasal innate immune stimulants, biologics targeting cytokine pathways, and innovative antiviral compounds. Several of these programs have advanced into clinical development, reflecting his ability to bridge mechanistic discovery with real-world therapeutic applications. He also plays a key role in fostering university–industry partnerships as Associate Dean (Industry & Engagement), supporting the translation of research into scalable healthcare solutions. In addition to his research leadership, Professor Bartlett is an active contributor to public health communication, providing expert insight into emerging respiratory viruses and evolving infection patterns. Together, his scientific expertise, translational focus, and strong industry engagement position him as a leader in the development of next-generation antiviral therapies.

Dr Eva Fiorenzo joined Virtus in 2025 with 11 years of clinical experience in a variety of medical and surgical specialties. She gained membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine before spending 4 years working in respiratory research at Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare Trust. She is responsible for overseeing the clinical execution of the trial and ensuring patient safety.

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