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NFID Announces 2025 Public Health Heroes

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) recently unveiled its 2025 award recipients, a group of remarkable individuals whose contributions to public health have left a lasting impact. These awards, highlighting excellence in leadership, scientific research, and community service, will be presented at the upcoming NFID Awards Gala on October 16, 2025, in Washington, DC.

Award Recipients

This year’s honorees include:

• - Anne E. Goldfeld, MD – Recipient of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award
• - Rino Rappuoli, PhD – Recipient of the Maxwell Finland Award for Scientific Achievement
• - Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, MD – Recipient of the John P. Utz Leadership Award

Anne E. Goldfeld, MD

Dr. Anne E. Goldfeld, affiliated with Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, is recognized for her humanitarian work and innovative research tackling two of the world’s deadliest diseases: TB and HIV/AIDS. Her contributions as a physician-scientist have transformed our understanding of immune responses in patients with co-infections.
Her collaborative efforts in countries like Cambodia and Ethiopia are noteworthy, where she co-founded research programs that target TB and drug-resistant TB, significantly improving healthcare access in underserved populations.
Furthermore, Dr. Goldfeld's advocacy extends to humanitarian efforts in conflict zones, where she has raised awareness about landmine bans, influencing global health policies that save an estimated 150,000 lives each year.
Gail H. Cassell, a senior lecturer at Harvard, commended Dr. Goldfeld as a brilliant physician-scientist who embodies the spirit of humanitarianism.

Rino Rappuoli, PhD

Dr. Rino Rappuoli is celebrated for his revolutionary contributions to vaccine development over the last four decades. As the leader of the Fondazione Biotecnopolo di Siena, he has spearheaded innovations in microbial pathogenesis, resulting in safer and more effective vaccines for various diseases, including Hib, influenza, and whooping cough.
His pioneering method, reverse vaccinology, enables scientists to design vaccines using genetic information. His contributions led to the first successful vaccine against meningococcus B, a major cause of meningitis.
His dedication continues as he works on addressing both emerging infectious threats and vaccine accessibility for underserved populations globally. Steven Black, an esteemed medical professional, praised Dr. Rappuoli's work as transformative in public health.

Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, MD

Dr. Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, a respected expert in pediatric infectious diseases, has been a key player in promoting health equity throughout her career. Recently retired from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, she has significantly contributed to vaccine communication and research, focusing on marginalized communities.
Her active involvement with the National Medical Association and advocacy for immunization initiatives in communities of color reflect her commitment to improving public health outcomes. Additionally, her work on pediatric HIV prevention has influenced practices from the dawn of the antiretroviral era to today's standards. NFID's Immediate Past-President, Patricia A. Stinchfield, has praised Dr. Whitley-Williams as a steadfast voice for diversity in healthcare and an advocate for transparent communication around vaccines.

Attend the NFID Awards Gala

The prestigious awards will be presented during a black-tie gala at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. This event not only honors the achievements of these healthcare heroes but also serves as a fundraiser supporting the NFID's mission of combating infectious diseases through education and outreach. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the gala are available online at NFID's website.

Looking Ahead

The NFID will open nominations for the 2026 awards early next year, inviting contributions from the public to highlight outstanding work in infectious disease prevention and treatment. For more information, visit NFID Awards.

About NFID

Established in 1973, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) is a nonprofit organization focused on educating the public and healthcare professionals about infectious diseases. The foundation holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and has received a Platinum transparency seal from GuideStar. To learn more, visit www.nfid.org.