The Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award honors individuals whose outstanding humanitarian efforts and achievements have contributed significantly to improving global public health.
Richard J. Hatchett, MD, of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), will receive the 2026 NFID Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award in recognition of his extraordinary leadership in advancing global health security and pandemic preparedness. As CEO of CEPI since 2017, Dr. Hatchett has led efforts to accelerate vaccine development against emerging infectious diseases and strengthen global preparedness, including championing the “100 Days Mission” to dramatically shorten vaccine development timelines for future pandemic threats.
Dr. Hatchett previously served as acting director of the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and held senior roles under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, helping shape national strategies to address emerging infectious disease threats.
Colleagues credit his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic with accelerating vaccine development while maintaining a strong focus on global equity to ensure that vaccines are available worldwide, including in low-income countries. His work has helped galvanize collaboration among governments, industry, and scientific institutions worldwide.
“Richard Hatchett’s career reflects his commitment to service, humility, and the belief that science must ultimately serve people and protect communities everywhere, not just those with resources or political influence,” said Bruce Gellin, MD, MHP, professor of medicine (adjunct) at Georgetown University School of Medicine. “These values have guided him throughout his career and have been the foundation of his leadership at CEPI.” Dr. Hatchett earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University and completed clinical training in internal medicine and medical oncology at Cornell University and Duke University. He was elected to the US National Academy of Medicine in 2023 and, in 2024, received an honorary doctorate from the University of Oslo and was awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon from the Government of Japan. The Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award, presented annually by NFID, honors individuals whose outstanding humanitarian efforts and achievements have contributed significantly to improving global public health.