The Host Pathogen Seminar Series presents
Dr. Peter Agre
"International Diplomacy through Medical Science"
Nobel Laureate Dr. Peter Agre M.D., is the Bloomberg Distinguished Professor, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Director, Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute.
Dr Agre’s research has focused upon molecular aspects of human diseases, including hemolytic anemias, blood group antigens and malaria. In 2003 Dr. Agre received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovery of the aquaporin water channels. Referred to as the “plumbing system of cells,” aquaporins facilitate the movement of water across cell membranes [rapid osmosis]. Aquaporins are responsible for generation of all biological fluids - cerebrospinal fluid, aqueous humor, tears, sweat, saliva, and concentration of urine. Aquaporins are also involved in plant biology and infectious diseases. Dr. Agre serves as Director of the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, overseeing scientific training and research efforts of 20 laboratories in Baltimore and field studies in Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Dr. Agre dedicates much of his time in science diplomacy and ethics, leading multiple visits of American scientists to North Korea, Cuba, Myanmar/Burma, and Iran. Dr. Agre is a member and Past President of the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine for which he chaired the Committee on Human Rights.
This event is sponsored by the Center for Microbial Interface Biology with the Center for Ethics and Human Values, the Discovery Themes Initiative for Infectious Disease, Microbial Infection and Immunity and Public Health Preparedness for Infectious Disease.
