Dr. Yoshihiro Kawaoka received his DVM and Ph.D. in 1983 from Hokkaido University. During his postdoctoral fellowship at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital under Dr. Robert Webster, Dr. Kawaoka’s studies focused on bird flu. At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Kawaoka continued to study fundamental concepts in influenza virology including developing H5N1 influenza virus vaccines. More recently, Dr. Kawaoka has studied Tamiflu-resistant influenza viruses and has also undertaken the study of the 1918 Spanish flu virus. Information uncovered by Dr. Kawaoka is used globally by public health agencies as they undertake the enormous task of influenza pandemic planning. Dr. Kawaoka also studies Ebola virus and has established a pseudotype virus system that allows researchers to study the virus under BSL2 conditions. Dr. Kawaoka has made significant scientific contribution to our understanding of two highly leathal pathogens, influenza and Ebola viruses. In 2006, he was awarded the prestigious Robert Koch Award for his innovative research in the field of influenza virology. Dr. Kawaoka currently maintains joint appointments at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Tokyo.

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