Michael Schunk

Dr. Michael Schunk is a professional with expertise in the vaccine ecosystem, including manufacturing, quality, licensing, and international supply and demand. Currently, he serves as a Senior Industry Specialist with the International Finance Corporation/World Bank Group (IFC/WBG), where he focuses on vaccine initiatives globally. Dr. Schunk supports IFC and World Bank regional manufacturing, supply/demand, and ecosystem projects, including conducting studies in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. He was a co-author on the World Bank Report on ASEAN Regional Vaccine Manufacturing and Development and has served on technical advisory committees for PAHO and an African CDC/CEPI working group. Dr. Schunk is additionally involved in One Health initiatives. He holds doctoral degrees in both Veterinary Medicine and Pathology from the University of Guelph. He began his career as an Assistant Professor at Queens University before joining Sanofi (formerly Pasteur Merieux Connaught). During his nearly 30-year career in vaccines, he held leadership positions in quality, quality control, manufacturing and operations in Canada, the US and France, including serving as VP of Quality and Executive VP of Operations at Medicago, the first company to make vaccines from plants. He has consulted with the government of Canada on vaccine facilities and co-authored an article on pandemic preparedness.