We are proud to announce that Dr. Christian Happi, an adjunct faculty member in our department, has been named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025. This recognition highlights his significant contributions to infectious disease research and public health.
Dr. Happi believes that African nations, which historically struggle with pathogen surveillance for future pandemics and to control outbreaks of deadly viruses like Ebola and Lassa fever, possess boundless potential. He asserts that Africa can not only contain pathogens but also lead the world in effective responses to emerging threats and scientific innovation. To achieve this, he advocates for a holistic system to address these challenges.
His collaboration with IID Faculty Member, Prof. Pardis Sabeti, to co-direct the SENTINEL project exemplifies this vision. Launched in 2020, SENTINEL is an early warning and response system aimed at disease surveillance and building health system resilience in West Africa. This comprehensive initiative focuses on detecting high-priority pathogens using agile genomic tools, connecting public health stakeholders to real-time data, and empowering them to take action.
Dr. Happi aims to leverage these innovative platforms to advance research at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health on emerging infectious diseases with pandemic potential and to expand early warning systems for timely responses.
To learn more about Dr. Happi’s journey and insights since joining our department, please read our Q&A with him here: Welcome to the Latest IID Member.
You can read the full article by TIME detailing Dr. Happi’s recognition here: TIME 100 Most Influential People 2025.
Congratulations to Dr. Happi on this significant honor.
