As an epidemiologist, Lipsitch has focused his research on better understanding the evolution of
infectious disease and their effect on humans as well as investigating the triggers and mechanisms for disease
immunity. While this research emphasizes the study of specific pathogen characteristics, such as mapping genomic diversity of
Streptococcus pneumoniae among different human populations, other research aims include more macro-level concerns such as forecasting disease and assessing pandemic response and preparedness. This work also contributes to that the
National Institute of General Medical Sciences, within the
National Institutes of Health, as a Models of Infections Disease Agency Study (MIDAS) funded
Center of Excellence. In addition to his work at Harvard, Lipsitch is credited for his work monitoring nationwide trends of pathogens in multiple countries around the globe and currently with the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Active Bacterial Core Surveillance program. In 2009, Lipsitch served as a member of the
President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology within the
H1N1 flu pandemic working group. == Awards and honors ==