| Citation | Edward Holmes pioneered the use of phylogenetic methods to reveal the fundamental processes of viral evolution, and the origin and emergence of major human pathogens including influenza, HIV and dengue. His research on influenza has transformed our understanding of the evolution of this important virus, revealing the patterns and determinants of viral spread at both local and global scales. He has identified the nature of evolutionary processes at the genomic scale, and shown how these processes differ between host species. By undertaking comparative analyses of genomic sequence data he has revealed many of the fundamental mechanisms of viral evolution, and showed how the biology of RNA viruses is in large part shaped by their extreme mutation rates. He has uncovered the mechanisms by which viruses jump species barriers, infect humans, and emerge as new threatening infections. His work sets a bench mark for studies in viral molecular epidemiology, and has helped shape strategies for the control of some significant viral infections. |