Demystifying Medicine

Speaker Profile

John B. Robbins, M.D.
Chief, Laboratory of Developmental and Molecular Immunity
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

John Robbins' research has focused on developing vaccines for diseases that are prevalent in infants and children. He and a colleague, Rachel Schneerson, M.D., developed a vaccine designed to eradicate bacterial meningitis caused by Haemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib), a deadly and debilitating infectious agent and the leading cause of acquired mental retardation in children. The vaccine is now used throughout the world. His vaccine development research also has targeted typhoid, pertussis, and other diseases.

Among the honors Robbins has received are the Albert Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research, the World Health Organization's Pasteur Award, and the Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal. Robbins is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine. He earned his M.D. degree at New York University.

Back to Speaker Profiles page.