Dr George W. Korch

Dr George W. Korch is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He formerly served as Director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center and President of the Battelle National Biodefense Institute, retiring in 2022. With a career spanning over 35 years, Dr Korch has worked extensively in medical biodefense, serving both civilian and military needs. He held senior positions within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including Acting Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and Senior Science Advisor. His federal service also included key leadership roles such as co-chair of the Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise (PHEMCE) Executive Committee, the Federal Expert Security Advisory Panel (FESAP), and the HHS Biosafety and Biosecurity Coordinating Council. 

A retired U.S. Army Colonel, Dr Korch previously commanded the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases and directed the Department of Defense Medical Chemical and Biological Defense Research Program. His expertise encompasses viral and rickettsial zoonoses, arbovirology, medical entomology, science management, and the development of biodefense medical countermeasures, including vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. Dr Korch has served as a WHO advisor on orthopoxvirus research for over 15 years. His military honors include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), and Meritorious Service Medal, among others. He is the co-author of one book and has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals.