The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the impact of emerging RNA viruses and need to understand their molecular biology, evolution and virus-host interactions. Professor Eric Snijder continues to investigate the replication machinery of coronaviruses, their impact on the infrastructure of the infected cell, and the molecular arms race with cellular defense mechanisms. Rapid RNA virus evolution promotes escape from immune responses or antiviral drug treatment, and facilitates adaptation to new host species upon zoonotic transfer from animal reservoirs. In-depth knowledge of RNA virus molecular biology is the basis for our antiviral toolbox (diagnostics, vaccines, drugs) that should enhance preparedness for future outbreaks.

His research was and is supported by a variety of grants from among others the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) and the European Union (EU).