The RAPID TRANSLATION AWARD honors a public-private partnership that has made a critical contribution to public health progress. This award is part of the suite of Outstanding Achievement in Public Health Awards, generously supported by Johnson & Johnson.

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is a global partnership launched to accelerate the development of vaccines against epidemic and pandemic threats. Created in response to gaps revealed by the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola crisis, CEPI works across public, private, and academic sectors to ensure rapid, equitable access to life-saving vaccines. CEPI is advancing the 100 Days Mission-aiming to develop vaccines against future threats within 100 days-to improve global pandemic preparedness and response.

Nicole Lurie leads CEPI’s approach to outbreak response, considering CEPI’s preparedness investments in R&D and manufacturing to develop and deliver response and preparedness plans for CEPI’s priority pathogens.

Previously, Nicole served an 8-year term as Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response position at the US Department of Health and Human Services.

During her service, Nicole led national responses to public health emergencies including the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. She chaired the Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise (PHEMCE), a US Government organization responsible for the development of medical countermeasures.

Nicole has also held the position of Paul O’Neill Professor of Policy Analysis at global policy think tank, RAND and leadership roles including Professor of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Minnesota.