Dr. David Evans is a virologist with diverse interests in poxvirus biology as well as a research administrator. His studies are supported by a network of collaborations and have been funded since 1987. Dr. Evans is considered a leader in the study of poxviruses with special expertise in virus recombination and replication.

Dr. Evans has also demonstrated a longstanding commitment to research translation. His recombineering technology is licensed as InFusion® kits. More recently his research has focussed on developing oncolytic viruses for treating bladder cancer. He holds US patents relating to these technologies and is pursuing a Phase I clinical trial.

Dr. Evans’ activities have also helped develop the University of Alberta’s focus on virus research. In 2006 he was awarded $24.9 million to built and equip new research facilities supporting immunology and infectious disease research. In 2010 the University of Alberta was gifted with $25 million to support virus research, and these and other projects were consolidated to create the Li Ka-Shing Institute of Virology.