Jonathan Heeney | Chief Scientific Officer
DIOSynVax Limited

Professor Jonathan Heeney, DVM DVSc PhD ScD FRCPath FRCVS, is an internationally recognized expert in zoonotic viruses, immune correlates and integrating these into next‑generation vaccine designs to vastly improve vaccine efficacy against variable viruses. With over 25 years experience, his work bridges both industry and academia, from bench to clinic. He is currently the Professor of Comparative Pathology and Head of the Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics (LVZ) at the University of Cambridge, where his research focuses on how RNA viruses cross species barriers and how protective immune responses evolve in natural hosts. His work has led to the discovery of new viruses and advanced molecular approaches that inform the design of broad‑spectrum vaccines targeting highly variable and emerging pathogens. He is also the CSO of DIOSynVax, a Cambridge biotechnology company advancing next‑generation vaccine technologies. He founded the company following breakthroughs in computationally engineered vaccine antigens developed at LVZ after his experience during the worlds largest Ebola outbreak motivated him to find more effective and rapid solutions to containing pandemic potential outbreaks. With over 350 peer‑reviewed publications, addition to his academic, industry and leadership roles, he contributes generously to global vaccine governance. His current research interests are in universal influenza and pre‑pandemic vaccines, advancing One‑Health‑focused strategies to counter future viral threats.