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Introducing our Summer Social series: Meet the scientist – Danish Cancer Institute

Danish Cancer Institute/LinkedIn

Jul 9, 2025, 07:13

Introducing our Summer Social series: Meet the scientist – Danish Cancer Institute

Danish Cancer Institute shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Introducing our Summer Social series: Meet the scientist

This summer, we are excited to launch a special series featuring some of the exceptional scientists at the Danish Cancer Institute. Each week, we will shine a spotlight on a researcher who makes a difference in cancer research every day.

Meet Matthew Murray – Postdoc in the Genome Maintenance and Cancer Vulnerabilities Group.

Why did you become a scientist?
I became a scientist in order to uncover new facts about the world, but specifically discoveries that could make a difference to the lives of patients. My scientific hero is Edward Jenner, so I have a long way to go before I have a fraction of the impact that his work had (though I think my experiments are rather more ethical!).

What are you currently working on?
Currently I work on how viruses manipulate cells at the molecular level, in order to evade the hostile cellular environment and effectively replicate themselves. Viruses are fantastic tools for studying cells, resulting in historical discoveries such as the first oncogene and alternative splicing. Specifically, I study how the widespread herpesvirus called cytomegalovirus hijacks the posttranslational modification known as SUMO for its own benefit, in order to both find opportunities that could be exploited to develop novel antivirals and to better understand basic cellular processes.

What I like about my job is…
The freedom to pursue unexpected results. Scientific progress is rarely made in a straight line, and so when you measure something unusual or unexpected, this is often an opportunity to really dig into something novel and surprising.

What motivates you at work?
The thought of making a difference to patients, and my colleagues. It’s very inspiring to be surrounded by passionate and talented scientists, but even moreso in a friendly environment that encourages cooperation.

To me, the DCI is…
An opportunity, and a reminder, to ensure that my research endeavours are always undertaken with the aim of producing new knowledge that ultimately can benefit patients.

How do you get your mind off research?
When I’m not in the lab, you might find me out running on the roads of Copenhagen or in one of the climbing gyms. After I’ve tired myself out, I’ll probably be playing some video games (play Clair Obscur: Expedition 33!) or board games.”

More posts featuring Danish Cancer Institute on OncoDaily.