William C. Gruber, MD, FPIDS, a leading global expert in vaccine development, is the recipient of the 2021 Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS) Stanley A. Plotkin Lecture in Vaccinology Award. This award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the field of vaccinology or areas of related science that have impacted the lives of children and pediatric infectious diseases specifically. The award honors the Society’s “founding father,” Stanley A. Plotkin, MD, FPIDS, for his remarkable career and contributions to immunization.
Dr. Gruber is senior vice president of Pfizer Vaccine Clinical Research and Development, and responsible for global clinical research and development of vaccines to meet licensure and post-licensure requirements. His clinical research group has been responsible for the research and development of now licensed pneumococcal conjugate, meningococcal conjugate, rLP2086 meningococcal B, and influenza vaccines, as well as investigational S. aureus, C. difficile, HIV, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza, and herpes simplex virus vaccines. He guides the clinical research and development for Pfizer’s Group B streptococcus and RSV maternal immunization vaccine programs, as well as vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.
“Dr. Gruber’s more than 35 years of work in vaccine development have improved the lives of children and adults around the world, including recent efforts during the pandemic to rapidly develop and evaluate COVID-19 vaccines,” said PIDS President Kristina Bryant, MD, FPIDS. “PIDS is proud to recognize his significant contributions to the field.”
The author or co-authorship of more than 200 original research articles, invited articles and book chapters, Dr. Gruber was previously an associate professor of pediatrics in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and director of the Diagnostic Virology Laboratory at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.
Dr. Gruber earned his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He completed pediatric residency, chief residency and pediatric infectious diseases fellowship training at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.
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About PIDS
PIDS membership encompasses leaders across the global scientific and public health spectrum, including clinical care, advocacy, academics, government, and the pharmaceutical industry. From fellowship training to continuing medical education, research, regulatory issues and guideline development, PIDS members are the core professionals advocating for the improved health of children with infectious diseases both nationally and around the world, participating in critical public health and medical professional advisory committees that determine the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, immunization practices in children, and the education of pediatricians. For more information, visit http://www.pids.org.
Improving the health of children worldwide through philanthropic support of scientific and educational programs.
