2025 Scholarship recipient Daniel Arnold is an early-career molecular virologist and biophysical chemist determined to help the world prepare for viruses that could trigger the next pandemic.

Originally from Wagga Wagga, NSW, Daniel studied science and medical science, majoring in pathology at Charles Sturt University. He then went on to conduct research at world-leading institutions including Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore and the University of Tokyo in Japan.

With his Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, he is now pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry at Oxford, where a recently emerged strain of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has seen him join urgent research efforts, collaborating with leading chemistry and virology researchers from across the globe.

He has also recently begun teaching undergraduate chemistry at Oxford, an experience he describes as both rewarding for his professional development and a “pinch me” moment he never imagined possible.

When not trying to help contain catastrophic viral outbreaks, and prevent the world’s next pandemic, Daniel has found time to make the most of Oxford life. A former Australian ballroom dance champion, he has thrown himself into new pursuits, from representing his college in motorsports and taking up bouldering, to enjoying the quintessential Oxford experience of ‘punting in spring’. Though his college ball has still been a stand-out highlight!

Reflecting on his scholarship, Daniel says it has “forever altered the trajectory” of his life, giving him the opportunity to pursue goals that once seemed unattainable and join a community of ambitious scholars seeking to leave their mark on the world.

As to what next? Post-graduation, Daniel hopes to forge a career in either an industrial or academic setting where he can one day lead pre-emptive as well as responsive research into emerging viral threats to global public health.

In his own words:

It’s a privilege to be part of the Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship community – a group of such likeminded people, and it’s always fascinating to hear their stories and own unique vision. It’s also great to have such a familiar group from home to fall back on when you just need a laugh or a bit of Aussie banter.

I was drawn to the Ramsay Scholarship for its emphasis on not only academic merit, but also the broader vision and ambitions of each of its scholars to leave an indelible mark on the world around them. For myself, it has provided me with an opportunity to realise my ambitions and pursue academic and professional goals that once seemed unattainable. It has forever altered the trajectory of my life.

My research at Oxford is currently focused on molecular characterisation of the surface glycoprotein of the Ebolavirus—one of the deadliest viruses on Earth. My work is interdisciplinary, bridging techniques in molecular virology with analytical and physical chemical methods. This includes but is not limited to various forms of mass spectrometry, x-ray crystallography, cryo-electron and super resolution microscopy, surface plasmon resonance, isothermal titration calorimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry.

Through my work I aim to elucidate the structural and mechanistic basis of a novel interaction that may inform the design and synthesis of next-generation vaccine immunogens and antiviral therapeutics effective against all species of the Ebolavirus. This in turn will enhance our preparedness for emerging Ebolavirus strains with epidemic or even pandemic potential—including the recently emerged Bundibugyo virus strain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is already the fastest spreading Ebolavirus outbreak in recorded history.

I recently passed my Transfer of Status viva, formally marking my status as a PhD candidate, and the completion of the first major milestone of my doctorate! My academic highlight so far has certainly been in my own research—we’ve had several surprising results and breakthroughs that I look forward to sharing with the scientific community and more broadly once we begin to publish. This includes valuable work in characterising molecular differences between the surface glycoprotein of the 2007 strain of Bundibugyo virus and the recently emerged 2026 strain in the DRC. Moreover, I have recently begun to teach in the undergraduate chemistry course at Oxford—a valuable and rewarding experience for my professional development, but also a pinch me moment that I would ever have had the opportunity not only to lecture in chemistry, but to do so at one of, if not the most, prestigious universities on Earth.

Life at Oxford is fantastic. Though my academic and personal life have never been more entwined, it never feels out of balance. A few beers at the pub quickly progresses into conversation about philosophy, science, or an exchange of theses about the world we live in. You regularly overhear conversations about the most esoteric topics imaginable, often marked by passionate but respectful debate. This is the fourth country I’ve lived and worked in, and though each place (Australia, Singapore, Japan) has its own unique character and brand of experience—nothing has quite been like this. 

Outside the books, Oxford also offers an exceptional range of sporting and recreational opportunities to find some solace away from one’s work. Since being here I’ve joined the motorsports society, having the opportunity to represent my college in the Motorsports Cuppers Race at Whilton Mill racetrack. I’ve even recently taken up bouldering, just to try my hand at a new challenge. Punting in Spring with friends and a few drinks in hand is also a quintessential Oxford experience. For the last 12 months I have also been a committee member of my Middle Common Room, to expand my leadership abilities and represent the student body to the College/University.

Though difficult to single out one experience, the highlight of my time so far has certainly been the opportunity to collaborate with some of the biggest minds in chemistry and virology, from nearly every corner of the globe. Oxford is a nexus point through which international collaboration flows, and twelve months ago I couldn’t have imagined the incredible lifelong connections I’ve already made. Outside the lab however, my biggest highlight so far was certainly my college ball—nobody does a ball like Oxford!

I’m currently planning a trip around the UK with family, looking to explore our roots and also see what the English countryside has to offer. Over the next twelve months, I’m also looking to do some more travel around Europe to make the most of my time here!

My vision post-graduation is to pursue a career in advancing global preparedness against high-consequence emerging viruses, such as filoviruses, influenza viruses, and coronaviruses. I intend to use my expertise in biochemistry and biophysics to characterise these viruses at the molecular level, and to inform the development of next-generation vaccine immunogens (particularly lipid-nanoparticle delivered mRNA) and the development of antiviral therapeutics. Though I am not yet decided as to whether I want to tackle these challenges in an industrial or academic setting, my vision is to ultimately lead pre-emptive as well as responsive research to emerging viral threats to global public health.

Interested in a Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship? Our scholarships support young Australian leaders to study at the world’s best overseas universities and are valued at up to AUD$100,000 p.a.

For more information visit: https://ramsaypostgradscholarship.com/

Media contact: Sarah Switzer 0407 816 098 / sarah.switzer@ramsaycentre.org