Season 4, Episode 1: In this inspiring episode, Rino Rappuoli, PhD, a true pioneer in modern vaccinology and recipient of the 2025 Maxwell Finland Award for Scientific Achievement, joins Marla Dalton, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, to explore his groundbreaking work in vaccinology. From his early days in Siena, Italy, to leading the development of life‑saving vaccines against meningitis, pertussis, and influenza, Rappuoli has transformed how vaccines are developed. He shares insights on mentorship, the origins of reverse vaccinology, climate change, and the future role of artificial intelligence in disease prevention. Tune in for a powerful conversation about science, innovation, and the unwavering drive to protect public health.
Rappuoli is scientific director of the Biotecnopolo di Siena Foundation, Italy, honorary professor of Vaccinology at Imperial College, London, and senior professor of molecular biology at the University of Siena. He was previously head of external R&D and chief scientist at GSK Vaccines and founded the GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health. He earned his PhD in biological sciences at the University of Siena, Italy, and was visiting scientist at Rockefeller University and Harvard Medical School.
An elected member of the National Academy of Sciences, he was awarded the Albert B Sabin Gold Medal in 2009. He is currently president of the International Union of Microbiological Societies. Rappuoli is among the world’s scientific leaders dedicated to the sustainability of global health and his work has contributed significantly to improving the quality of human life.
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