October 27, 2026
The award recognizes the outstanding investigative efforts of a Society member who has made outstanding contributions to research with significant impact on the field of pediatric infectious diseases.
Stanely A. Plotkin, MD, FPIDS, regarded as the founding father of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS) and a prodigious vaccine researcher and immunologist, is the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Research Award. This award recognizes the breadth of a Society member’s research career and its significant impact on pediatric infectious diseases. Dr. Plotkin developed the rubella vaccine and contributed to the development of many other vaccines during his career.
The award is presented during the PIDS Foundation Annual Dinner (October 22) and the PIDS Membership Meeting (October 23), which follows the Stanley A. Plotkin Lecture in Vaccinology at IDWeek.
Dr. Plotkin is Emeritus Professor of the University of Pennsylvania. Until 1991, he was Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology at the University of Pennsylvania, Professor of Virology at the Wistar Institute and at the same time, Director of Infectious Diseases and Senior Physician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He went on to spend seven years as Medical and Scientific Director of Sanofi Pasteur, based at Marnes-la-Coquette, outside Paris. He previously served as Senior Assistant Surgeon in the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) program of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“It is with tremendous pride and pleasure that we recognize our founder and guiding star, Dr. Stanley Plotkin,” said PIDS president Debra Palazzi, MD, MEd, FPIDS. “Dr. Plotkin literally wrote the book on vaccines. His compassion, commitment and leadership to pediatric infectious diseases and children’s health is the height of inspiration. Dr. Plotkin is a singular figure not only in our field, but all of science. We are thrilled to honor him with this richly deserved award.”
Dr. Plotkin developed the rubella vaccine now in standard use throughout the world, is codeveloper of the pentavalent rotavirus vaccine, and has worked extensively on the development and application of other vaccines including anthrax, oral polio, rabies, varicella, pertussis, Lyme disease and cytomegalovirus. He is a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences and the French Academy of Medicine. His bibliography includes over 900 articles, and he has edited several books, including the textbook on vaccines, now in its 8th edition. For his tremendous work developing lifesaving vaccines, he is the recipient of countless awards and honors by organizations and societies around the world.
Dr. Plotkin earned his medical degree from SUNY College of Medicine, Brooklyn. He completed pediatric residencies at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Hospital for Sick Children in London, England. He is currently an active consultant to vaccine manufacturers and non-profit research organizations through his Vaxconsult, LLC.
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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.
