Senior Research Leader honoured with 2026 Translational Microbiology Prize

Professor Alan Parker, Health and Care Research Wales Senior Research Leader and Co-Director of the Wales Applied Virology Unit (WAVU), has been awarded the 2026 Translational Microbiology Prize from the Microbiology Society for his work on “precision virotherapies” - viruses engineered to infect cancer cells. 

Professor Parker has spent his career working on virus-based treatments for cancer. In 2013, he established his independent research team at Cardiff University, focusing on the development of novel advanced therapies in oncology. He specialised in the use of adenoviruses, which cause respiratory illnesses but can be modified to serve as therapeutic agents. 

In 2021, he additionally became Chief Scientific Officer of Trocept Therapeutics, where he helped to oversee the translation of the first precision virotherapy developed by his lab into clinical development. 

Professor Parker said:

 “I’m truly honoured, not to mention incredibly surprised and humbled, to receive the Translational Microbiology Prize for 2026.

“Since establishing my lab in 2013, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside exceptionally talented and dedicated scientists, both within my team and through inspiring collaborations. This award is a testament to their hard work and shared commitment to impactful research.”

“I’m incredibly proud to accept this award on behalf of the entire team and I’m deeply grateful to the Microbiology Society for recognising our efforts in translational microbiology.” 

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