Prof. Nair obtained his degree in Veterinary Science and Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine from India.  After 6 years postdoctoral research initially at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and later at the Institute of Virology, Oxford, he joined the Pirbright Institute to carry out research on avian oncogenic viruses. His group has carried out extensive research into the molecular mechanisms of virus-induced cancers to gain insights into the viral gene functions and their interactions with the host cell in driving neoplastic transformation. His research interests on viral diversity and evolution of virulence has demonstrated the potential role of vaccines in driving virulence.Veterinarian by profession. Currently working as Emeritus Scientist, Viral Oncogenesis and Vaccine Research at the Pirbright Institute. Prof. Nair also holds honorary positions as Visiting Professor in Avian Virology at the Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Visiting Professor, Department of Virology, Imperial College London, and as Investigator, Jenner Institute, Oxford.