July 22, 2025 - An Evening with Dr. Kristian Andersen, Global Expert in Infectious Disease Research and Public Health

An Evening with Dr. Kristian Andersen
Global Expert in Infectious Disease Research and Public Health

We are honored to offer Harvard and Ivy+ members a rare opportunity to hear directly from Dr. Kristian Andersen, one of the most influential scientists shaping global health policy and research today. His talk comes at a crucial time, with over $9 billion cut in previously approved grants, including more than $4.6 billion in research for pandemic responses.

About Dr. Andersen

Dr. Andersen, Professor in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at Scripps Research, is an internationally recognized leader in genomics and infectious disease epidemiology. Using a combination of next-generation sequencing, field work, experimentation and computational biology, he has spearheaded large international collaborations investigating the emergence, spread and evolution of deadly pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, Zika virus, Ebola virus, West Nile virus, and Lassa virus. His lab is a lead research institute that aims to transform outbreak response and change the way we develop and apply effective countermeasures. Current studies include the threats posed by H5N1 bird flu and virulent strains of MPOX. He received his PhD from Cambridge and completed his postdoc work at Harvard.

Key Role During COVID epidemic 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Andersen played a pivotal role in identifying the origin and spread of SARS-CoV-2, advising both federal and international bodies. His early genomic analyses helped shape the world’s understanding of viral transmission and pandemic preparedness. He served as a trusted scientific voice during a time of unprecedented global uncertainty. 

Politicization of Science

In recent years, Dr. Andersen's research was supported by major federal and philanthropic grants, including funding from the NIH, CDC, and the Gates Foundation. But his leadership on the source of SARS-CoV-2 has come at a cost. Some of Dr. Andersen’s previously approved federally funded research has been curtailed or canceled, drawing widespread concern from the scientific community. More recently, funding was cut for the Centers for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases (‘CREID”), which included Dr. Andersen’s and 11 other labs worldwide, to study “how and where viruses and other pathogens emerge from wildlife and spillover to cause disease in people.” 

In describing the reaction of scientists to recent developments, a San Diego Union Tribune article reports:

"Andersen, [Tulane University virologist Robert] Garry said, is a real-world example of what’s at risk with the federal government’s current plans to cut research spending. Other countries, especially China, he noted, are more than very interested in becoming the new home of researchers who end up leaving the U.S. But there is also risk in not being home to the latest virology research. The viruses aren’t going to stop because we’ve decided to deprioritize research."

Dr. Andersen’s experience offers a critical window into the increasing politicization of science, and the implications for national and global preparedness. He is now considering leaving the United States to continue his research in a better environment.

This is not just a talk for scientists—it’s for anyone concerned about the future of public health, the intersection of science and policy, and if we can prepare for the next public health crisis.

 

DateTuesday, July 22, 2025

Time: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. PDT

Location: Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla. Free garage parking nearby, and ADA accessible. The precise room and location will be provided to registrants before the meeting. 

Registration Fee: Non-refundable registration fee of $5 — 100% of profits will support the Harvard Club of San Diego Summer Community Service Fellowship which provides funding for a current Harvard undergraduate student to work at a local not-for-profit organization.

Registration ends Sunday, July 20, 2025 at 11:59 pm.

Click here to register!