Advances in Biosciences Seminar Series - Professor Jeffrey Almond, Former Head of vaccine Research at Sanofi
| Dates: | 28 October 2025 |
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| Times: | 13:00 - 14:00 |
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| What is it: | Seminar |
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| Organiser: | Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health |
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| Who is it for: | University staff |
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| Speaker: | Jeffrey Almond |
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Join the Division of Molecular and Cellular Function (MCF) for the Advances in Biosciences Seminar Series, the speaker is Professor Jeffrey Almond, Former Head of vaccine Research at Sanofi.
Hosted by Dr Ximena Soto.
Title: “Infectious Diseases: Are we in control?”
Abstract: Plagues and pandemics of the past, present and future. This presentation will review human vaccines and their development, consider current challenges and future threats, including pandemic preparedness. What new technologies can be harnessed to provide rapid response and scalability, and perhaps offer new insights into how to develop vaccines against the difficult pathogens for which we do not have licenced vaccines today? Examples of challenges will also include polio eradication and how to maintain a polio-free world; the influenza threat, and selected rare diseases with outbreak potential.
Bio: Jeffrey Almond is a Visiting Professor at the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford and at the Department of Microbiology, University of Reading. He is also an Oxford Martin Fellow with the Oxford Martin Programme on Vaccines. Previously (1999-2014) he was Vice President and Global Head of Research and External R&D at Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccine division of the Sanofi group. There he was responsible for a portfolio of vaccine projects across infectious diseases and cancer, and for establishing and managing R&D partnerships with Academia and Biotech companies relevant to the commercial interests of Sanofi Pasteur. Prior to joining Sanofi, Jeffrey Almond spent most of his career in the UK. He was lecturer at the University of Leicester from 1979-85 and Professor of Microbiology and Head of the School of Animal and Microbial Sciences at the University of Reading 1985-99. He has served on numerous national and international committees including being a member of Council of the MRC, and a member the UK Spongiform Encephalopathies Advisory Committee. Previously he has held senior officer positions in several learned societies including the International Union of Microbiological Societies and the Academy of Medical Sciences. Professor Almond is currently a member of several boards and scientific advisory boards, mainly concerning infectious disease control, both in the public and private sectors in Europe, the UK, India and the USA.
Speaker
Jeffrey Almond
Role: Professor
Organisation: Former Head of vaccine Research at Sanofi
Travel and Contact Information
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Michael Smith Lecture Theatre
Michael Smith Building
Manchester
