Rino Rappuoli

Dr. Rino Rappuoli is Chief Scientist and Head External R&D at GSK Vaccines, based in Siena, Italy and Professor at Imperial College and University of Siena. Prior positions: head of Vaccine R&D at Novartis, CSO of Chiron Corporation, head for R&D at Sclavo.

He earned his PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Siena, Italy, and was visiting scientist at Rockefeller University and Harvard Medical School.

He is elected member of US National Academy of Sciences (NAS), the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO), and the Royal Society of London. Awards received: Gold Medal by the Italian President, Albert B Sabin Gold Medal, Canada Gairdner International Award and European Inventor Award for Lifetime Achievement. He was nominated third most influential person worldwide in the field of vaccines (Terrapin).   He has published more than 765 works in peer-reviewed journals.

He introduced novel scientific concepts: genetic detoxification; cellular microbiology; reverse vaccinology; pangenome. Developed licensed vaccines: acellular pertussis containing a non-toxic mutant of pertussis toxin; the first conjugate vaccine against meningococcus C; MF59, the first vaccine adjuvant after aluminium salts; meningococcus B; CRM 197 that is used as carrier in many conjugate vaccines.

Dr. Rappuoli is among the world scientific leaders dedicated to the sustainability of global health.

Canada Gairdner International Award 2017