Dr. Jeremy Farrar Closed Now

Early Life and Education

Dr. Jeremy Farrar was born in Singapore in 1961 and later moved to the United Kingdom for his studies. He pursued medicine at University College London (UCL) and obtained his Doctorate in Neurology. His medical career was complemented by a passion for research into infectious diseases, particularly those that disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries.

His education gave him a strong foundation in both clinical medicine and epidemiological research, shaping his career as a physician-scientist and global health leader.

Academic and Professional Career

Dr. Farrar spent much of his early professional life in Vietnam, where he directed the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) in Ho Chi Minh City from 1996 to 2013. There, he focused on diseases such as:

• Dengue fever

• Tuberculosis

• Avian influenza (H5N1)

• Severe acute respiratory infections

His hands-on field research gave him global recognition as one of the most trusted experts in infectious disease epidemiology.

After his tenure in Vietnam, Dr. Farrar became the Director of the Wellcome Trust, one of the largest biomedical research charities in the world, where he oversaw billions of pounds in funding for scientific innovation.

Role in Global Health Leadership

In 2023, Dr. Farrar joined the World Health Organization (WHO) as the Chief Scientist, succeeding Soumya Swaminathan. In this role, he provides leadership in shaping WHO’s scientific agenda, pandemic preparedness strategies, and partnerships with research institutions worldwide.

Contributions to Epidemiology

• Avian Influenza (H5N1): He was one of the first researchers to study the virus in Southeast Asia, contributing to global understanding of its pandemic potential.

• Dengue Research: Advanced epidemiological methods to study dengue transmission and control.

• Tuberculosis and HIV: Supported large-scale epidemiological studies in low-income countries.

• COVID-19 Response: As Wellcome Trust Director, he was a founding member of the UK’s SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) during the pandemic and an advocate for equitable global access to vaccines.

Publications and Influence

Dr. Farrar has authored and co-authored over 600 peer-reviewed scientific papers. He is also the co-author of the book “The Perfect Predator”, which documents his experiences in infectious disease research.

His work has appeared in journals such as Nature, The Lancet, and New England Journal of Medicine.

Recognition and Honors

• Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to global health.

• Recognized as one of the most influential global health leaders.

• Awarded multiple honorary doctorates for contributions to epidemiology.

Vision and Advocacy

Dr. Farrar strongly advocates for:

• Strengthening global scientific collaboration.

• Ensuring equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments.

• Preparing the world for the next pandemic through investment in surveillance and rapid-response infrastructure.

• Supporting open science and data sharing.

Legacy

Jeremy Farrar is recognized as one of the leading voices in global epidemiology, bridging the gap between field research, policymaking, and global health strategy. His work continues to influence how the world prepares for and responds to infectious disease threats.