Global Health Security Index Co-Lead Jennifer Nuzzo Elected to National Academy of Medicine

Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, DrPH, a professor of epidemiology and director of the Pandemic Center at the Brown University School of Public Health, is one of 100 new members to join the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) as part of its 2024 class. Among the reasons cited for Dr. Nuzzo’s election was her role in “co-creating the Global Health Security Index and conducting research to measure and improve national preparedness for infectious disease threats.”

Working in partnership with NTI’s Global Biological Policy & Programs (NTI | bio) and Economist Impact, Dr. Nuzzo demonstrated critical leadership in developing the 2019 and 2021 versions of the Global Health Security (GHS) Index. The Index measures capacities of 195 countries to prevent and prepare for epidemics and pandemics, analyzing more than 60,000 data points across the traditional prevention, detection, and response measures. The Index is the only comprehensive, independent tool that quantitatively assesses the global baseline of preparedness for catastrophic biological threats in a way that can be repeated every few years.

“We have experienced first-hand Dr. Nuzzo’s impressive dedication to making the world safer from infectious disease threats. We are grateful for Jennifer’s partnership and expertise in developing the GHS Index, and we are so pleased that her work on this critical initiative has been recognized by the National Academy of Medicine. It is a well-deserved honor,” NTI | bio Vice President Dr. Jaime Yassif said.

NAM also recognized Dr. Nuzzo’s efforts to co-establish a global COVID-19 testing data tracker and to create a health systems resilience checklist for biological emergencies.

One of three academies that comprise the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in the United States, NAM membership reflects the height of professional achievement and commitment to service.