Michael T. Osterholm

Michael T. Osterholm is a Regents Professor, McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair in Public Health, and the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota. He serves as a Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, a professor in the Technological Leadership Institute within the College of Science and Engineering, and an adjunct professor in the Medical School.

His educational background includes a BA in Biology and Political Science from Luther College (1975), an MPH in Epidemiology from the University of Minnesota (1978), an MS in Environmental Health (1976), and a PhD in Environmental Health (1980), all from the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Osterholm is internationally recognized as an expert in infectious disease epidemiology with research interests spanning Disease Surveillance, Epidemiology, Health Communications (including Social Media), Infectious Disease (particularly Foodborne, HIV/AIDS, Influenza, and STDs), Policy/Politics, Public Health Preparedness, and Vaccines. His work has consistently focused on preparing for and responding to emerging infectious disease threats, with recent publications addressing contemporary challenges like Nipah virus, Lassa fever, Zika virus, monkeypox, and the intersection of COVID-19 with seasonal influenza.

His publication record shows a consistent focus on evidence-based approaches to public health challenges, with systematic reviews like his influential 2012 analysis of influenza vaccine efficacy and ongoing work on pandemic preparedness. His research spans clinical guidelines, biodefense considerations, and policy recommendations for emerging infectious disease threats.

• Regents Professorship (2015)
• McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair in Public Health
• Honorary doctorate from Luther College
• Pump Handle Award, CSTE
• Charles C. Shepard Science Award, CDC
• Harvey W. Wiley Medal, FDA
• Squibb Award, IDSA
• Distinguished University Teaching Professor
• Wade Hampton Frost Leadership Award, American Public Health Association
• Six major research awards from NIH and CDC

Dr. Osterholm has held significant advisory roles including appointment to the National Science Advisory Board on Biosecurity by HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt in 2005, membership in the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center's Academy of Excellence in Health Research (2008), and appointment to the World Economic Forum Working Group on Pandemics (2008). He serves as principal investigator for CIDRAP's Antimicrobial Stewardship Project launched in 2016. As director of CIDRAP, he leads a research center focused on addressing public health challenges through evidence-based analysis, communication, and policy recommendations for infectious disease threats.