Peter Daszak

Error creating thumbnail:

Peter_Daszak_2017_01

Peter Daszak is a British-American zoologist and an expert in disease ecology. He is the president of EcoHealth Alliance, a non-profit organization that focuses on research and policy programs in global health, conservation, and international development. Daszak is known for his work on the ecology of zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Early Life and Education

Peter Daszak was born in the United Kingdom. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from Bangor University and a Ph.D. in parasitic infectious diseases from the University of East London.

Career

Daszak's early research focused on the ecology of infectious diseases in wildlife populations. He has conducted extensive fieldwork in various parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and South America. His work has contributed to the understanding of how environmental changes, such as deforestation and urbanization, can lead to the emergence of new infectious diseases.

EcoHealth Alliance

As the president of EcoHealth Alliance, Daszak has led numerous research initiatives aimed at identifying and mitigating the risks of emerging infectious diseases. The organization collaborates with scientists, policymakers, and communities to develop strategies for disease prevention and control.

COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Daszak gained significant attention for his role in investigating the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. He was a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) team that traveled to Wuhan, China, to study the outbreak's origins. Daszak has been a vocal advocate for the theory that the virus likely originated from a wildlife source, possibly a bat.

Research and Contributions

Daszak has published numerous scientific papers on the ecology of infectious diseases. His research has highlighted the importance of understanding the links between human activities, environmental changes, and the emergence of new pathogens. He has also been involved in developing predictive models to identify potential hotspots for future disease outbreaks.

Awards and Recognition

Peter Daszak has received several awards for his contributions to science and public health. He is a member of various professional organizations, including the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and the British Ecological Society.

Related Pages

• Zoonosis
• EcoHealth Alliance
• SARS-CoV-2
• World Health Organization
• Disease ecology