Work packages leading:
WP11: Next-generation LSD vaccines

Work packages involved in:
WP1: Risk analysis framework
WP2: Phylogenetic analysis of African swine fever virus (ASFV) and Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV)
WP3: Conflict, migration and virus spread
WP4: Transmission of lumpy skin disease virus
WP5: Subclinical infection with lumpy skin disease virus
WP6: African swine fever virus prevention and management
WP7: A novel African swine fever vaccine for interface regions
WP8: Diagnostic tools for LSD
WP9: Optimising LSD vaccine strategies
WP10: Host determinants of lumpy skin disease (LSD) resistance and susceptibility
WP11: Next-generation LSD vaccines

Professor Pip Beard

The Pirbright Institute
Group leader

Tel: +44 1483 232441
Email:
Web: Pip Beard – Keele University

DEFEND role: Co-ordinator

Professor Pip Beard was the co-ordinator and leader of the DEFEND H2020 project. She is a veterinarian, pathologist and virologist specialising in the unique group of complex DNA viruses which replicate in the cytoplasm of a host cell. This group includes poxviruses and African swine fever virus.

Professor Beard obtained her veterinary degree from the University of Sydney, and PhD from University of Edinburgh. She has studied at Cornell University, Imperial College London, and the State Central Veterinary Laboratory in Mongolia. She is currently Professor of Viral Pathology and Head of the School of Life Sciences at Keele University, UK.

Professor Beard is an expert in the pathogenesis of poxviruses, particularly the capripoxvirus genus which includes lumpy skin disease virus. Her research team has examined the immune response, transmission and pathology of lumpy skin disease virus. They have also identified and characterised novel virulence factors of capripoxviruses.

In addition to her virology research, Professor Beard is a strong advocate for gender equality. She developed Women in Science as a cross-cutting theme of the DEFEND consortium, and through this platform developed the DEFEND Gender Action Plan, containing practical activities to increase the participation of women in science.