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The Borodavka group investigates RNA viruses and how their genomes are segmented to ensure successful replication. He is particularly interested in rotaviruses that infect children, killing upwards of 200,000 a year, and his molecular studies on viral biology and evolution aim to inform the development of new vaccines and therapeutics.

“I am delighted to join the vibrant and growing community of many brilliant researchers at the Dunn School as a newly appointed Associate Professor and group leader.” Said Alex “I’ve long admired the School’s incredible legacy of inspiring and teaching great minds, and I’m excited to contribute to its future.”

After completing his PhD at the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Alexander Borodavka was awarded a Sir Henry Wellcome Fellowship to develop advanced fluorescence techniques for studying rotaviruses. Between 2015 and 2018, he further developed single-molecule fluorescence and RNA biology approaches at Ludwig Maximilian University, the University of Leeds, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

In 2019, he established his independent research group at the University of Cambridge with support from a Sir Henry Dale Fellowship, where he is currently an Assistant Professor of Biotechnology. His pioneering work on RNA virus assembly was recognised with the 2025 Biochemical Society Colworth Medal. He is also a Lister Fellow and EMBO Young Investigator.

Dr Borodavka and his group will be joining the Dunn School in January 2026. His post is held in association with Brasenose College.