Michael T Osterholm

Michael T Osterholm serves as Regents Professor and Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota. He also holds positions as Distinguished Teaching Professor in Environmental Health Sciences and Adjunct Professor in Medicine - Infectious Disease and International Medicine. His work spans infectious disease research, public health policy, and pandemic preparedness across multiple institutional frameworks.

Dr. Osterholm's research focuses on infectious disease epidemiology, vaccine development, and global health security. His expertise covers emerging infectious diseases including influenza, Zika virus, Lassa fever, and coronavirus pathogens. He leads major initiatives in pandemic preparedness and response, with emphasis on developing medical countermeasures and strengthening public health infrastructure worldwide. His work addresses critical challenges in diagnostic testing, therapeutic development, and evidence-based public health interventions.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on priority research agendas for emerging infectious diseases, particularly Zika virus and Lassa fever. His work emphasizes the need for coordinated global efforts in vaccine development, diagnostic testing, and therapeutic interventions. Dr. Osterholm's research consistently addresses the intersection of science, policy, and public health practice in managing infectious disease threats, with particular attention to universal vaccines and broadly protective coronavirus technologies.

Dr. Osterholm leads multiple significant research projects including the Universal Influenza Vaccine Technology Landscape, Monitoring and Accelerating Progress of R&D for Broadly Protective Coronavirus Vaccines, and Implementation of the Influenza Vaccines Roadmap. These projects, funded by organizations including NIH, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and Wellcome Trust, reflect his leadership in global infectious disease research and policy. He has secured substantial grant funding through 2027, demonstrating sustained research impact.

As Director of CIDRAP, Dr. Osterholm oversees a major center focused on addressing public health threats through research, communications, and policy analysis. The center serves as a hub for infectious disease expertise, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and public health practitioners to develop evidence-based approaches to disease prevention and control. His work has been featured in 187 media appearances, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when he served as a Biden transition team advisor.