Sander Herfst is a virology professor specialized in respiratory virus transmission. His work focuses on the genetic and phenotypic adaptations that enable zoonotic 

influenza viruses to spread via the air between mammals, and he has led studies on the anatomical origin of airborne influenza in the respiratory tract. He currently aims to quantify virus shedding kinetics in the air by means of air sampling in animal models and schools, and investigates whether novel nasal vaccines can prevent transmission. Furthermore, he explores the potential role of mucus in intra-species transmission and studies factors affecting virus survival in the air.