Michael Joyce holds a PhD. in Biochemistry From the University of Alberta. Originally a biochemist and enzymologist, Michael Joyce has been working in viral immunology and liver disease for the past 18 years.

His training in structure and function of the key enzyme in the TCA cycle , succinyl-CoA synthetase which has specialized isoforms in liver tissue, left him well prepared to examine the pathology of liver disease. He has played key roles in the development and use of the first small animal model suitable for HCV infection and replication. His studies on oxidative and the unfolded protein response induced by the twin pressures of viral infection and inflammation have led to the current development of an in vitro model for liver disease. In parallel he has examined the innate immune response to HCV and these considerations have led to the discovery that HCV and many other viruses hijack the Nuclear pore complex to their replication complexes in order to evade intracellular innate immune responses.

Further interests include developing a method for differentiating hepatoma cells into hepatocyte–like cells which establish tight junctions, become contact inhibited and preform complex hepatocyte specific tasks like secreting VLDL; the only cell-line which does this. The differentiation process changes the expression of an astonishing 1/3 of the genes. These cells are currently being commercialized for use in liver toxicity and other applications in partnership with commercial interests.