Kanta Subbarao

Kanta Subbarao is a renowned virologist and immunologist known for her significant contributions to the field of influenza research. She is currently the director of the World Health Organization's Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza located in Melbourne, Australia.

Early Life and Education

Subbarao was born and raised in India. She completed her MBBS degree from the Christian Medical College, Vellore. She then moved to the United States for her postgraduate training in Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases.

Career

Subbarao has had a distinguished career in the field of virology and immunology. She has worked at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States, where she led a team of researchers in the Laboratory of Infectious Diseases. Her work at the NIH focused on the development of vaccines for influenza and emerging infectious diseases.

In 2016, Subbarao was appointed as the director of the WHO's Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza in Melbourne, Australia. Her work at the WHO involves monitoring global influenza activity, researching influenza viruses, and providing recommendations for vaccine strain selection.

Research

Subbarao's research has significantly contributed to our understanding of influenza viruses. She has conducted extensive research on H5N1 and H1N1 influenza viruses, and her work has been instrumental in the development of vaccines for these strains. Subbarao's research has also provided valuable insights into the transmission and pathogenesis of influenza viruses.

Awards and Recognition

Subbarao's contributions to the field of influenza research have been widely recognized. She has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the NIH Director's Award and the Public Health Service Outstanding Service Medal.