Dr Matt Reeves
Career development fellow at the University of Cambridge.
Dr Matt Reeves is an MRC fellow studying how Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is reactivated in immune-compromised patients.
Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) establishes latent infections that can subsequently reactivate with devastating consequences in certain conditions, such as in transplant patients or people with HIV. Dr Matt Reeves’ work focuses on cellular and viral factors that control whether the virus remains inactive or gets reactivated, looking for potential new ways of treating HCMV infections.
“My second postdoc position was at the pharma company Novartis, where I was able to do academic research in a really different environment – it helped me decide the kind of research I want to do, though right from the start I’ve known I wanted to do translational research. My MRC Career Development Award was a great next step, providing that all important support with which to develop my ideas and make the transition to being an independent researcher.
“The Fellowship encourages the university to set out what support it will offer, which for me includes a mentor scheme as well as support within the department. You’re not thrown in at the deep end, but it is your own money so you are ultimately responsible and have to start making bigger decisions.”
Find out more about the MRC’s support for research training and careers.
Published December 2010