October 23, 2024
Lecture honor recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the field of pediatric infectious diseases or related sciences that have impacted child health
Barney Graham, MD, PhD, a distinguished immunologist, virologist, and physician, has been recognized as this year’s Stanley A. Plotkin Lecture in Vaccinology Award winner. The lecture is named for Stanley A. Plotkin, MD, FPIDS, a founding member of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society and accomplished vaccinologist. This annual award celebrates an individual who has made significant contributions to vaccinology or areas of related science that have impacted the lives of children.
His lecture, ‘RSV Vaccine Development: From Tragedy to a New Era of Vaccinology,’ was presented during IDWeek (October 16-19), the premier scientific meeting for infectious diseases professionals. This year’s meeting occured in Los Angeles and virtually.
Dr. Graham is Director of the David Satcher Global Health Equity Institute and Professor of Medicine and Microbiology, Biochemistry, & Immunology at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta. He is a thought leader on structure-based vaccine design, application of mRNA delivery technology, and pandemic preparedness. In 2000, he was a founding member of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases’ Vaccine Research Center at National Institutes of Health and served with distinction for over 20 years. His leadership and groundbreaking contributions during this time include areas of RSV pathogenesis, structure-based vaccine design, mRNA delivery technology application, and rapid COVID-19 vaccine development.
“Dr. Graham’s impact in vaccinology and the health of the children protected by vaccines is immeasurable,” said PIDS President Bill Steinbach, MD, FPIDS. “His innovations have contributed in ways great and small to our abilities to care for and protect children from scourges such as RSV, COVID-19 and Ebola. We are pleased to honor his work by hosting this lecture at IDWeek as part of the legacy Dr. Plotkin established in vaccinology.”
He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and has received numerous prestigious awards such as the Robert M. Chanock Award, the Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal Award, the Charles Mérieux Award and many others for his contributions to vaccinology and immunology. Dr. Graham holds three honorary doctorate degrees and has been recognized by TIME magazine as part of their influential lists, the world’s 100 most influential individuals, Heroes of the Year in 2021, and the 100 most influential in health in 2024.
Dr. Graham earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas. He went on to complete his internal medicine residency, chief residencies, infectious diseases fellowship, and PhD in Microbiology and Immunology at Vanderbilt University.
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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.
