Internationally Recognized Malaria Researcher Stefan Kappe, PhD, Appointed New Director of the UM School of Medicine’s Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Stefan Kappe will lead the UM School of Medicine’s Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health.
• He is recognized globally for research on how malaria parasites infect the liver.
• Dr. Kappe also serves as a Professor and Associate Vice Chair of Basic Science Research at the University of Washington in Seattle.
• The appointment was officially announced by Dean Mark T. Gladwin, MD.
• This leadership move signals a continued commitment to developing vaccines and advancing global health.

Appointment Announcement

University of Maryland School of Medicine Dean, Mark T. Gladwin, MD, made the announcement that Dr. Stefan Kappe, a distinguished parasitologist and immunologist renowned for his work on malaria research, has been chosen as the new Director of the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD).

Dr. Kappe’s Research Focus

Widely acknowledged for groundbreaking investigations into the early stages of malaria parasite infection, Dr. Kappe’s research zeroes in on the parasite’s liver-stage development. This work has been credited with shedding light on the initial steps of malarial infection, a critical area of study for developing more effective treatments and vaccines.

Academic and Clinical Roles

Dr. Kappe is a Professor and the Associate Vice Chair of Basic Science Research in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington in Seattle. He also holds a senior principal investigator position at the Center for Global Infectious Disease Research at Seattle Children’s Research Institute, where he previously served as an Associate Director. His combined academic and clinical experiences have positioned him at the forefront of efforts to combat severe infectious diseases.

Significance for the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health

With this appointment, the University of Maryland School of Medicine underscores its dedication to tackling the world’s most pressing infectious diseases. The CVD, since its establishment, has played a pivotal role in vaccine development and public health initiatives. Dr. Kappe’s expertise in parasitology and immunology is anticipated to enhance these endeavors, expanding the breadth and depth of the center’s research and global collaborations.

Vision and Outlook

As the new Director, Dr. Kappe is poised to advance novel research and strengthen existing partnerships worldwide. The University of Maryland School of Medicine looks forward to leveraging his leadership and experience to develop impactful interventions against malaria and other infectious diseases. The global health community will be watching closely as Dr. Kappe’s directorship unfolds, signaling a new chapter at the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health.