• 2015
  Beijerinck Virology Prize
  

• 2014
  Elected Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
  

• 2014
  Honorary Doctorate
  

• 2012
  Sanofi–Institut Pasteur Award
  

• 2012
  Election to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences
  

• 2010
  European Virology Award (EVA)
  

• 2006
  Elected Member
  

• 2006
  Robert Koch Prize
  

• 2002
  Corresponding Member
  

• 2000
  Member
  

The Palese Laboratory focuses on fundamental questions concerning the genetic make-up and biology of viruses, as well as virus-host interactions.  They use molecular biological techniques to understand how viruses replicate and how they interact with cells to cause disease in their hosts.  Emphasis is on the study of RNA viruses, including influenza, paramyxo, and corona viruses.  These are four major research directions in the laboratory at the present time:  (1) by genetically changing influenza viruses via recombinant DNA techniques, they are studying viral genes and gene products to develop a universal influenza virus vaccine; (2) intracellular proteins are identified that interact with viral proteins, and the biological functions of these cellular proteins are studies; (3) attempts are made to develop broad spectrum antivirals and to identify their mechanisms of actions.  

The Palese Laboratory is interested in training students and postdoctoral fellows who will become independent investigators in "molecular" studies of infectious viral diseases.