Thomas Briese

Thomas Briese is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, affiliated with the Center for Infection and Immunity. His research focuses on molecular epidemiology, virus-host interactions, and pathogen discovery.

• Education: MS (1983), PhD (1987) from Freie Universität Berlin

Research Focus: Dr. Briese pioneered molecular methods to identify infectious agents linked to chronic diseases, notably cloning the Borna disease virus genome and linking it to neuropsychiatric disorders. He identified the flavivirus causing the 1999 New York City encephalitis outbreak and contributed to SARS-CoV diagnostics during the 2003 epidemic. Current work includes biothreat agent detection and multi-center cohort studies on infections in autism and schizophrenia.

Article Trends: His publications span virology, molecular diagnostics, and neurovirology, with recurring themes in RNA virus epidemiology, PCR-based detection, and zoonotic disease mechanisms.

Scientific Awards:

• Albertson Young Investigator Award (National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression)

Collaborations: Advised WHO, collaborated with Beijing institutions during SARS outbreak, and holds patents related to SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics.