Maria Elena Bottazzi is a distinguished scientist and a leading figure in the fields of vaccinology and neglected tropical diseases. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Bottazzi has made remarkable contributions to global health through her research, leadership, and advocacy efforts. She is Professor of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, currently serving as the Sr. Associate Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine and Division Chief of Pediatric Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. She is also the Co-director of Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, where Dr. Bottazzi has been instrumental in advancing innovative approaches to combat diseases that disproportionately affect underserved populations worldwide.

Dr. Bottazzi is widely recognized for her pivotal role in the co-development of an open science vaccine technology against COVID-19 that led to the development of Corbevax in India and IndoVac in Indonesia, and with approximately 100 million doses delivered. Throughout her career, Dr. Bottazzi has been a vocal advocate for equitable access to healthcare and vaccines, particularly for marginalized communities in low- and middle-income countries. She has collaborated with international organizations, governments, and non-profits to promote initiatives aimed at addressing health disparities and improving global health outcomes.

Dr. Bottazzi is a member of the US National Academy of Medicine (NAM), a Leshner Leadership Institute Public Engagement Fellow in Infectious Diseases of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and an Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) alumna.

Dr. Bottazzi’s dedication to scientific research, combined with her commitment to social responsibility, has earned her numerous accolades and honors. In 2023, she was awarded the Vilcek-Gold Award for Humanism in Healthcare and the Rachael Schneerson – John Robbins Prize. For three years in a row, Forbes selected Dr. Bottazzi as one of 100 Most Powerful Women in Central America and in 2022, alongside Dr. Peter Hotez, she was nominated by Texas Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Dr. Bottazzi obtained her bachelor’s degree in microbiology and clinical chemistry from the National Autonomous University of Honduras and a doctorate in Molecular Immunology and Experimental Pathology from the University of Florida.