Dr. Scott Halstead is a preeminent virologist and global leader in the field of arboviral diseases with a distinguished career spanning over six decades. He currently serves as an independent consultant and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Halstead earned his Bachelor of Arts from Yale University in 1951 and his Doctor of Medicine from Columbia University in 1955, followed by hospital training in Internal Medicine. His career has encompassed significant leadership positions including Professor and Chair of Tropical Medicine at the University of Hawaii, Director of Health Sciences at the Rockefeller Foundation, and Scientific Director of the Infectious Diseases Program at the U.S. Navy, establishing him as a pivotal figure in international vaccine development and global health initiatives.
Dr. Halstead's groundbreaking research has fundamentally shaped the scientific understanding of dengue virus pathogenesis and immunity, with over 400 scientific publications that have established critical frameworks for dengue vaccine development. His seminal work on antibody-dependent enhancement provided the theoretical foundation for understanding dengue hemorrhagic fever and has guided global vaccine research strategies for decades. As the founding director of the Pediatric Dengue Vaccine Initiative at the International Vaccine Institute, he spearheaded efforts to develop and evaluate dengue vaccines for children in endemic regions, significantly advancing the field toward practical solutions. His expertise in arboviral diseases extends beyond dengue to include Zika, chikungunya, and other emerging viral threats, with his research consistently bridging laboratory science and public health implementation to address pressing global health challenges.
Beyond his direct research contributions, Dr. Halstead co-founded the Children's Vaccine Initiative in 1990 while at the Rockefeller Foundation, catalyzing international collaboration to accelerate vaccine access for children worldwide. He has served in advisory roles for numerous global health organizations including the World Health Organization and the Gates Foundation, providing critical expertise on vaccine development pathways and regulatory frameworks. As a respected mentor, he has trained generations of scientists who now lead dengue research programs across the globe, ensuring the continuation of his legacy in infectious disease research. Dr. Halstead continues to influence the field through his independent consultancy and recent scholarly contributions, including his 2024 commentary in the New England Journal of Medicine addressing the current landscape of dengue vaccines, demonstrating his enduring commitment to advancing solutions for arboviral diseases.
