David Heymann

David Heymann is Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) within the Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health and Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and International Health. He also serves as a Distinguished Fellow at the Centre on Universal Health at Chatham House in London. His extensive career in global public health spans leadership roles at major international health organizations and field experience across multiple continents.

Heymann earned his BA in general science from Penn State University, an M.D. from Wake Forest School of Medicine, and a DTM&H from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. His educational background provided the foundation for his decades-long career focused on infectious disease control and global health security.

Professor Heymann's research focuses on infectious disease epidemiology, particularly outbreak response for diseases like Ebola, SARS, mpox, and other emerging pathogens. His work emphasizes the intersection of disease surveillance, global health security, and the One Health approach that connects human, animal, and environmental health. He has been instrumental in shaping international responses to public health emergencies and advancing disease eradication programs worldwide.

His recent publications (2023-2025) show a continued focus on emerging infectious disease threats, particularly mpox outbreaks in Africa, pandemic financing mechanisms, cholera vaccination strategies, and the integration of One Health approaches into global health security frameworks. His work consistently addresses the connections between disease surveillance, international cooperation, and health system strengthening.

• Heinz Award on the Human Condition
• Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2009
• Elected fellow of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies (US)
• Elected fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (UK)
• Seven different public health awards funding mentorship programs

Heymann has held significant leadership positions including Chairman of the UK Health Protection Agency (2009-2012), Chairman of Public Health England (2012-2017), and Executive Director of the Communicable Diseases Cluster at WHO where he led the global response to SARS. His grant history reflects substantial funding for global health security initiatives, disease eradication programs, and public health capacity building, particularly through WHO and CDC collaborations.

He is affiliated with LSHTM's Vaccine Centre and Antimicrobial Resistance Centre, contributing to interdisciplinary research on vaccine development and antimicrobial resistance. His work connects with international networks including the International Association of Public Health Institutes (IANPHI) where his award funding supports an ongoing mentorship program.