Dr. Pietro Scaturro appointed W2 Professor for Systems Virology at the University of Hamburg

Hamburg, 1 July 2026 – As of today, Prof. Dr. Pietro Scaturro takes up a W2 professorship for Systems Virology at the University of Hamburg. Since 2020, the virologist has led the “Systems Biology of Arboviruses” research unit at the Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV) and will also serve as an associate group leader at the Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB). His appointment further strengthens the close collaboration between the University of Hamburg and the Leibniz Institute of Virology in the field of infectious disease research.

Scaturro's research focuses on understanding how pathogenic arboviruses—including dengue and West Nile viruses—manipulate host cells to promote their replication.

To this end, the group applies state-of-the-art systems biology approaches, including bottom-up mass spectrometry, to comprehensively analyse virus–host interactions. The aim of this research is to identify shared molecular mechanisms across different arboviruses that may serve as therapeutic targets. In the long term, this work is aimed at contributing to the development of novel broad-spectrum antiviral drugs.

“I am delighted by this appointment and the opportunity to further expand my research in the field of systems virology. I'm particularly interested in how fundamental principles of virus–host interactions are conserved across different virus families, and how these can be translated into new therapeutic strategies.” 

Prof. Dr. Pietro Scaturro
Head of the research group "Systems Arbovirology”

Currently, he coordinates a project funded by the German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF) aimed at identifying novel broad-spectrum antiviral compounds against West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis virus and tick-borne encephalitis virus. Ultimately, this research seeks to strengthen German and European preparedness for future infectious disease outbreaks. He also develops mass spectrometry–based diagnostic kits for the simultaneous detection of multiple respiratory pathogens. 

“We are delighted about the appointment of Prof. Pietro Scaturro. The appointment of Dr. Pietro Scaturro further strengthens systems virology in Hamburg and deepens the close collaboration between the Leibniz Institute of Virology and the University of Hamburg.” 

 Prof. Dr. Marcus Altfeld
 Scientific Director of the Leibniz Institute of Virology

"Pietro Scaturro's appointment demonstrates the strength of the University of Hamburg's collaboration with non-university research institutions across the city. His work on shared mechanisms of viral infection combines rigorous fundamental research with a clear vision for the development of new therapeutic approaches. Joint appointments such as this further strengthen Hamburg's profile in the life sciences."

Prof. Dr. Hauke Heekeren
President, University of Hamburg

“With Pietro Scaturro, we are gaining an internationally recognized scientist who combines cutting-edge systems biology approaches with innovative proteomics and metabolomics technologies. His research on the molecular interactions between viruses and host cells opens up new perspectives for the development of antiviral therapies and will further strengthen infectious disease research at the University of Hamburg. This joint appointment also underscores the close partnership between the MIN Faculty and the Leibniz Institute of Virology and will provide important impetus for both research and teaching.”

Prof. Dr. Norbert Ritter
Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences (MIN Faculty), University of Hamburg

Prof. Scaturro has a strong track record of research at leading international institutions. Prior to joining the Leibniz Institute of Virology, Prof. Scaturro was Senior Scientist at the Technical University of Munich and a postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Martinsried. He obtained his PhD in Molecular Virology from the University of Heidelberg in 2015, where he had previously worked as a Marie Curie PhD fellow.