Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Welcome to the NextGen Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CIEID).

Influenza viruses remain one of the greatest challenges to public health, with the potential to cause devastating pandemics. Throughout history, we have witnessed the profound impact of influenza, from the 1918 pandemic that claimed over 40 million lives worldwide to more recent seasonal epidemics, which annually result in significant illness, over 200,000 hospitalizations, and thousands of deaths in the United States alone. Influenza is not just a singular threat, and it often exacerbates other conditions like diabetes, asthma, and obesity and contributes to secondary bacterial infections, further amplifying its burden on health systems.

At CIEID, our mission is clear: to improve human and animal health by advancing our understanding of virus transmission, developing innovative technologies, and designing effective strategies to prevent and control outbreaks. We are committed to reducing the burden of these diseases on communities. Achieving these goals requires collaboration, creativity, and the integration of expertise across disciplines, and our Center is uniquely positioned to lead this effort.

What makes CIEID truly special is its people, our scientists, students, and collaborators, who are passionate about making a difference. Together, we are building a future where the threats posed by influenza and other emerging infectious diseases are minimized through research, innovation, and education. We are also dedicated to training the next generation of scientists, providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to tackle the health challenges of tomorrow.

As science and technology advance, so will the Center. We remain steadfast in our commitment to improving health outcomes for people and animals alike. Whether you are a researcher, a student, or someone interested in the fight against infectious diseases, I invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we can create a healthier, more resilient world.

Thank you for visiting, and welcome to the CIEID community.

Warm regards,

Henry Wan, Ph.D.
Director
Curators’ Distinguished Professor