2 April 2026 — The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) mourns the passing of Barry Bloom, a pioneering immunologist, a global health leader, and a foundational figure in IVI’s history. Prof. Bloom served as Chair of IVI’s founding Board of Trustees and played a central role in guiding the international organization during its earliest years. He was a renowned scientist, whose work transformed our understanding of immune responses to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, leprosy, and malaria, and helped advance new vaccines against them.

“Throughout his career, Barry Bloom was an advocate for applying scientific innovation to address public health challenges, especially in low- and middle-income countries,” said Dr. Jerome H. Kim, Director General of IVI. “His founding vision continues to inform our work—and how we work—today. We remember him with deep gratitude.”

“As Chair of the founding Board of Trustees, Barry Bloom was instrumental in guiding IVI through its formative years,” said Dr. John D. Clemens, IVI’s founding Director General and current Senior Scientific Advisor. “He brought not only scientific rigor, but a deep commitment to building an organization grounded in global collaboration and public health impact.”

Beyond the laboratory, Prof. Bloom was deeply committed to building institutions and mentoring future generations of public health practitioners. His decades of service as a leader and advisor to organizations like IVI, as well as to the World Health Organization, UNAIDS, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, reflect the breadth of his expertise and deep commitment to improving the health of people everywhere. At IVI’s 25th anniversary celebration in 2022, Prof. Bloom received the inaugural IVI Founders Medal in recognition of his illustrious career and foundational support for IVI.

With gratitude for his vision, IVI honors Prof. Bloom’s enduring legacy of pursuing science in service of people.