Filling a Critical Gap in Pandemic Preparedness

The new Institute for Infectious and Zoonotic Diseases (IIZD) at Penn Vet will leverage Penn’s strengths in immunology and infectious disease to confront emerging and re-emerging zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, with a goal of fostering innovations in disease surveillance, treatment, and vaccine development.

As the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus poses new risks to public health, the importance of scaling up research on infectious agents is at the front of minds around the world. The IIZD will summon Penn Vet’s extensive bench—mobilizing 30 Penn Vet faculty, 110 research investigators, and Penn affiliate faculty—to tackle new or re-occuring threats to animal and human health.

“The public’s awareness of infectious diseases has never been higher; the COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that there is an imperative to expand our focus to local and global infectious diseases,” says Christopher Hunter, the Mindy Halikman Heyer Distinguished Professor of Pathobiology and Director of the IIZD. “This Institute represents a steadfast commitment to protect populations against deadly animal and human health threats such as rabies, West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and COVID-19.”

“We have one of the largest zoonotic disease programs in the world. Bringing that expertise to bear on regional disease outbreaks gives us a significant geographic advantage in mitigating health risks that are literally in our own backyard,” says Andrew Hoffman, the Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of Veterinary Medicine. “The Institute will allow us to integrate communications across our veterinary health networks, respond to disease impacts in real time, and truly transform public health for the communities and economies that we serve.”

Thanks to the recently established Martin E. Winter and Pamela Winter Infectious Disease Fellowship, Penn Vet will expand access for bright young minds who want to contribute to the vital work taking place at the IIZD.

“Penn leads in animal and human cancer research, and I don’t see any reason why Penn shouldn’t also take the lead in infectious disease investigation,” says Martin Winter, G’76, W’76, PAR’07, who has served on the Penn Vet Board of Advisors since 2012. “The close connection among Penn Vet and Penn Medicine—the fluidity of ideas between the two—has extraordinary implications. These are incredibly focused folks who have learned so much and do a great job applying their knowledge. And, at the end of the day, training new people is key to their work.”

De’Broski R. Herbert, Presidential Associate Professor in the Department of Pathobiology and one of the Associate Directors at the IIZD, is heading up international affairs and outreach, as well as the pre-doctoral training program to further build a pipeline of young scientists, expanding the range, reach, and impact of infectious disease research.

“We are going to be developing innovative ways of facilitating education and training opportunities focused on combating disease, all using a One Health–based approach,” Herbert says.

Penn knowledge spurred the development of the pathbreaking mRNA technology behind two COVID-19 vaccines. Looking ahead, the IIZD at Penn Vet will contribute to redefining solutions for diagnosing, tracking, and preventing the spread of deadly diseases, saving countless lives across the globe. For more information about research initiatives at the IIZD, or to learn how you can support this pivotal work, contact Hyemi Sevening, Associate Dean of Institutional Advancement, at sevening@upenn.edu.