Professor Ronald van Rij is one of the 16 new members of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). The scientists were selected in recognition of their outstanding research and strong commitment to the societal role of science. The new Academy members will be officially installed on Monday, 28 September.
Ronald van Rij - Professor in Experimental Virology
Blood-feeding mosquitos can transmit extremely harmful viruses, such as zika, chikungunya and dengue. Dengue alone infects hundreds of millions of people every year, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths.
It was long unclear whether the insects themselves have an immune system capable of fighting off viruses. Ronald van Rij discovered that they combat viruses through the RNA interference mechanism, which breaks down the virus’s genetic material. In turn, viruses sabotage the RNA interference mechanism.
His group discovered how this biomolecular arms race has led to fragments of viral RNA being incorporated into the mosquito’s genetic material, precisely in order to better combat the virus. This means that the mosquito’s immune system is capable of adaptation, just like that of humans.
Van Rij is a passionate advocate of pure science, but also recognises the value of practical applications, such as treatments or other means of combating viral diseases. During the covid-19 pandemic, he opened up his lab for the launch of a ‘Covid moonshot’ aimed at discovering antiviral drugs, which in fact yielded a potential treatment.
Other new Radboud members
In addition to van Rij, Mark Dingemanse and Michiel Vermeulen of Radboud University were also appointed KNAW members.
