the impact of cuts in funding on medical research
Oct 21, 2025
Erica Ollman Saphire, CEO- La Jolla Institute
the impact of cuts in funding on medical research

Dr. Erica Ollmann Saphire, who has spoken to us before,  is a structural biologist and immunologist who serves as President and CEO of the La Jolla Institute for Immunology. Renowned for pioneering work on the molecular structures of deadly viruses—including Ebola, Marburg, Lassa, and measles—she has revealed how viral proteins function, adapt, and can be targeted by therapeutics. Her career spans groundbreaking discoveries such as the first complete structure of human IgG, the Ebola virus glycoprotein, and the architecture of viral replication factories inside cells. A champion of global scientific collaboration, she directs major international consortia to accelerate treatments for viral hemorrhagic fevers and COVID-19, and leads innovative programs to counter herpesviruses. Her leadership blends high-impact research with a commitment to uniting scientists worldwide against emerging infectious threats