We are pleased to announce that Prof. Dr. Yuying Liang has been appointed as the Section Editor-in-Chief of the Section “Viral Pathogens” in Pathogens (ISSN: 2076-0817).

Dr. Yuying Liang is a professor at the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at the  University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (USA). She holds a B.Sc from Sichuan University (China), an M.Sc from the Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry, Chinese Academy of Science (CAS) (China), and a Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia (Canada).

Dr. Liang's research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of viral replication and pathogenesis, and utilizing this knowledge to develop novel preventative and treatment measures for viral diseases in humans and animals. Her current research projects involve two RNA viral pathogens, Lassa fever virus and influenza virus, the former causing highly virulent hemorrhagic fever disease in humans and the latter remaining a global threat to human and agricultural animal health. Studies from Dr. Liang's laboratory have revealed novel mechanisms by which these viruses interact with host innate immune systems and cell signaling networks to promote viral replication and cause virulent infections in hosts. In addition, they utilize the knowledge and molecular tools of arenaviruses to develop a novel, safe, and effective viral vaccine platform, with which they will develop effective vaccines against various pathogens including diverse arenavirus pathogens and frequently evolving influenza viruses. Finally, Dr. Liang's lab is interested in studying the roles of host factors and signaling pathways in influenza viral replication and disease pathogenesis in the lungs with the ultimate goal of developing novel antiviral therapeutics against influenza viral infection.

The following is a short Q&A with Dr. Yuying Liang, who shared her vision for the journal with us, as well as her views on the research area and open access publishing:

1. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to take the role as its Section Editor-in-Chief?
I have always been impressed by the exceptional level of professionalism and timely assistance provided by the journal’s staff, editorial board, and reviewers.

2. What is your vision for the journal?
I would like to help enhance the breadth of coverage of the pathogens being featured in the Pathogens journal and to help maintain the rapid manuscript processing speed as well as the quality of publications in this journal.

3. What does the future of this field of research look like?
I believe in the One Health research approach that can help fully understand the impact that humans, animals, and the environment have the pathogens. Understanding how these factors can influence the behavior of different pathogens can have a direct and significant impact on the health of humans and animals.

4. What do you think of the development of Open Access in the publishing field?
I believe in the Open Access model of publication that can help level the playing field for all researchers and can make discoveries accessible to all in a timely manner.

We warmly welcome Prof. Dr. Yuying Liang as the Section Editor-in-Chief of the Section “Viral Pathogens”, and we look forward to achieving many milestones under her leadership.