Strategic Support Manager, Alan Turing Institute

Jennifer Stuart is Strategic Support Manager at the Alan Turing Institute, she was previously a PhD candidate in the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge. Her research focused on how viruses avoid detection and clearance by the host immune response. In particular Jennifer investigated how vaccinia virus prevents activation of the innate immune response following its detection by the host. Vaccinia virus is a member of the pox virus family and was the agent used for vaccination against variola virus, the causative agent of Smallpox. It is still widely studied today as a vaccine vector to protect against other pathogens such as HIV and malaria. Prior to commencing her PhD, Jennifer obtained an MRes in the study of infection and immunity and a BA in Zoology from the University of Cambridge.

Jennifer is particularly interested in the role of scientific evidence in the development of education policy and is also passionate about the importance of effective communication of scientific developments to both the public and policy makers.