Barney Graham, PhD

The former deputy director of the NIAID Vaccine Research Center, Dr. Graham is an immunologist, virologist, and clinical trials physician with an extensive background in basic and translational research applied to vaccine development. He is best known for his research on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, coronaviruses, HIV, and other emerging viral diseases.

Until his retirement last year, Dr. Graham was the chief of the Viral Pathogenesis Laboratory and Translational Science Core. He was named one of the world’s 100 most influential individuals and one of the Heroes of the Year in 2021 by Time magazine for his role in developing the COVID-19 vaccine. He was also recognized as the Federal Employee of the Year by the Partnership for Public Service.

Dr. Graham is an author on more than 500 scientific publications and a thought leader on emerging viral diseases and pandemic preparedness. He was involved in the advanced evaluation of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies for HIV, Ebola, and Chikungunya. He also developed novel vaccines for RSV, influenza, Zika, paramyxoviruses, and coronaviruses including the first COVID-19 vaccine and monoclonal antibody to enter clinical testing and that subsequently achieved Emergency Use Authorization and licensure.

Dr. Graham obtained his MD from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, and his PhD in Microbiology & Immunology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, where he rose to the rank of Professor of Medicine with a joint appointment in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology. He is the recipient of numerous international awards and accolades for his contributions to research.