The January 2020 outbreak of the novel coronavirus that began in Wuhan, China, quickly captured international attention and concern. The virus’ rapid spread within China and the growing number of new cases appearing in other nations — including the United States — have focused the public's awareness about the virus’ danger and measures to contain it.
At this webinar, Peter Hotez, fellow in disease and poverty with the Baker Institute Center for Health and Biosciences and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, analyzed the threat posed by the coronavirus and described how it undermines global security. He also highlighted efforts to counteract the virus' spread through his work as a prominent vaccine scientist and expert on international science diplomacy.
Hotez also answered viewer questions about coronavirus during the webinar, moderated by Kirstin R.W. Matthews, fellow in science and technology policy. Follow @BakerInstitute on Twitter and join the conversation online with #BakerHealth.
Agenda
3:00 p.m.
Introduction
3:05 p.m.
Presentation
Peter J. Hotez, M.D., Ph.D.
Fellow in Disease and Poverty, Center for Health and Biosciences
3:25 p.m.
Q&A
Moderator: Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Ph.D., Fellow in Science and Technology Policy
4:00 p.m.
Adjourn
Featured Speaker
Peter J. Hotez, M.D., Ph.D., is the Baker Institute fellow in disease and poverty. He is dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine and professor of pediatrics and molecular virology and microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine, where he is also the Texas Children’s Hospital Endowed Chair of Tropical Pediatrics. He is the co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development. Hotez is an internationally recognized physician-scientist with expertise in neglected tropical diseases and vaccine development. At the Clinton Global Initiative in 2006, he co-founded the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases to provide access to essential medicines for hundreds of millions of people. He is the author of more than 500 original papers and the acclaimed books “Forgotten People, Forgotten Diseases” (ASM Press), “Blue Marble Health” and “Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel’s Autism” (both Johns Hopkins University Press). Hotez is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, and he was selected as one the 34 most influential people in healthcare by Fortune Magazine. In 2015-16, Hotez served as U.S. Science Envoy for the White House and U.S. State Department. Hotez obtained his undergraduate degree in molecular biophysics from Yale University, followed by a Ph.D. in biochemical parasitology from Rockefeller University and an M.D. from Weil Cornell Medical College.