Molecular Virology
Decoding RNA virus evolution, replication, and host-pathogen interactions to identify vulnerabilities for therapeutic intervention.
- 12 novel antiviral targets characterized
- Cryo-EM structures of 6 emergent pathogens
Oxford-Trained Virologist · Global Health LeaderAdvancing Science.
Advancing Science.
Protecting Humanity.
Christoffel Nowak Olsen, Ph.D.
Senior Virologist · Infectious Disease Research Specialist · Global Public Health Innovator
Dedicated to advancing the understanding of infectious diseases through evidence-based research, scientific innovation, and global collaboration.
Biography
A career devoted to the science of preparedness.
Three decades of disciplined research, policy, and field work — from Oxford laboratories to outbreak frontlines.
- 2026Geneva, Switzerland
Director, Global Pathogen Intelligence Initiative
Leads a multinational consortium of 38 institutions advancing real-time genomic surveillance of emerging zoonotic threats.
- 2022World Health Organization
Senior Advisor, Pandemic Preparedness
Co-authored frameworks shaping the WHO's 100-day mission for rapid vaccine and therapeutic deployment.
- 2018University of Oxford
Principal Investigator, Olsen Lab
Founded a laboratory focused on RNA virus evolution, host immunity, and translational antiviral discovery.
- 2014Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Postdoctoral Fellow
Modeled cross-species transmission dynamics of coronaviruses across Southeast Asia.
- 2010University of Oxford · Merton College
D.Phil. in Molecular Virology
Thesis: Structural determinants of viral fitness in emerging Henipaviruses.
Research Excellence
Where rigor meets consequence.
Three intersecting programmes — molecular, epidemiological, and translational — united by a single mandate: anticipate and disarm the next pandemic threat.
Epidemiological Modeling
Predictive frameworks for outbreak trajectory, transmission heterogeneity, and intervention impact across resource settings.
- Adopted by 14 national health agencies
- Real-time models during 3 outbreaks
Vaccine & Therapeutic Innovation
Translational pipelines bridging discovery science with equitable global deployment of vaccines and antivirals.
- 2 candidates in Phase III trials
- Tech transfer to 9 LMIC manufacturers
Global Impact
Science without borders.
From the laboratory bench to ministries of health, Dr. Olsen's work links discovery to deployment across six continents.
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Countries with active collaborations
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Peer-reviewed publications
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Citation count (h-index 62)
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Lives within reach of programmes
Collaboration Network
Active research nodes
Hover any node to see partner institutions and ongoing programmes.
Selected Contributions
Work that moved the field.
2025Cell
Pan-coronavirus immunogen platform
First-in-class candidate eliciting cross-reactive antibodies across four sarbecoviruses.
2024WHO / CEPI
100-Day Mission Operational Playbook
Co-led framework now adopted by 31 member states for rapid countermeasure deployment.
2023Africa CDC
African Genomic Surveillance Network
Architected continental wastewater + clinical sequencing pipeline across 22 nations.
2021Science
Real-time SARS-CoV-2 variant fitness model
Forecasted Delta and Omicron dominance 6–9 weeks ahead of consensus.
Publications
A body of work, peer-reviewed.
A selection of recent papers in leading journals. Full publication record available on request.
- VirologyDOI
Structural basis for cross-neutralisation in pan-sarbecovirus immunogens
Cell 188, 412–430 (2025)
- VaccinesDOI
A thermostable lyophilised mRNA platform for low-resource deployment
Nature Biotechnology 43, 1011–1024 (2025)
- PolicyDOI
Lessons from a coordinated 100-day countermeasure response
The Lancet 404, 122–135 (2024)
- VirologyDOI
Henipavirus host range determinants in chiropteran reservoirs
Nature 619, 88–95 (2023)
- VaccinesDOI
Equity-adjusted dose allocation under supply constraints
Science 380, 244–251 (2023)
- PolicyDOI
A continental sequencing commons for Africa
Nature Medicine 29, 1840–1849 (2023)
Media & Speaking
Translating discovery for decision-makers.
Available for keynotes, panels, and policy briefings.
Recent engagements include the World Health Summit, World Economic Forum, the Royal Society, and the United Nations General Assembly side events on pandemic preparedness.
Request engagementWorld Health Summit
Engineering the 100-Day Mission
TED · Geneva
What the next pandemic will teach us
Davos · WEF
Investing in the architecture of preparedness
Royal Society Lecture
Viral evolution at the edge of detection
Mentorship
Building the next generation.
More than thirty doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows trained — now leading laboratories, ministries, and field programmes across four continents.
"Christoffel teaches you to think like a scientist and to act like a citizen. The combination is rare."
Dr. Amara Okafor
Group Leader, Africa CDC · Former Olsen Lab Postdoc
32
D.Phil. students supervised
21
Postdoctoral fellows trained
18
Now leading labs worldwide
9
Mentees on faculty at R1 universities
Contact
Begin a conversation.
For research collaboration, speaking invitations, or media enquiries.
Email
office@olsenlab.org
Office
Geneva · Oxford
By appointment only