prof.dr. BHG (Barry) Rockx

Senior Scientist | Special Professor in Pathogenesis of Emerging Veterinary Viruses

Prof. dr. BHG (Barry) Rockx is Senior Scientist and Expertise Teamleader on Vector-Borne Viruses at the Department of One Health Virology at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) and Special Professor of Pathogenesis of Emerging Veterinary Viruses at the Laboratory of Virology at Wageningen University.

Rockx received his PhD from Utrecht University in 2004 for research on norovirus susceptibility and antibody responses. He subsequently spent almost ten years in the United States, researching the evolution, pathogenesis and vaccine development of SARS-CoV, influenza, henipaviruses and filoviruses at the University of North Carolina, the National Institutes of Health and the University of Texas Medical Branch, including research under BSL-4 conditions.

In 2014, Rockx returned to the Netherlands, first joining the RIVM as Head of Rare and Emerging Viral Infections and Response, and subsequently Erasmus MC, where he led the Exotic Viruses workgroup. Since 2022, he has worked at WBVR as Senior Scientist and project leader.

His research focuses on emerging (zoonotic) viruses in livestock and wildlife, investigating how viruses cause disease, spread between animals and potentially to humans, and how emerging risks can be identified early. His work combines fundamental virology, experimental models and applied veterinary research within a One Health approach.

At WBVR, Rockx leads research on vector-borne viruses including Rift Valley fever, bluetongue, West Nile and tick-borne encephalitis viruses. Research focuses on diagnostics and surveillance, vector-virus-host interactions, vaccines, transmission modelling and risk assessment.

As Special Professor, Rockx investigates viral pathogenesis and host responses using in vitro and in vivo models, including three-dimensional models of blood vessels and the placental barrier. This research strengthens the connection between fundamental virus research at Wageningen University and applied veterinary research at WBVR, contributing to improved understanding and preparedness for emerging veterinary and zoonotic diseases.

• Wageningen University (1-9-2026/31-8-2031)
  Special Chair of Pathogenesis of Emerging Veterinary Viruses, embessed within the Chair Group Virology of the Plant Sciences Group at Wageningen University