History & Mission

From Vision to Global Impact

In 2008, a transformative gift from Henry H. "Sam" Wheeler, Jr. founded the Henry Wheeler Center for Emerging and Neglected Diseases on the principle that addressing the world's most complex infectious disease challenges requires collaborative research that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries

Since its inception, CEND has developed into a multidisciplinary research center where over 60 faculty members from fields spanning biology, chemistry, engineering, public health, economics, and business collaborate on solutions for diseases that disproportionately affect underserved populations worldwide . To accomplish this, we serve as a hub for emerging and neglected disease research at Berkeley by:

• Supporting collaboration and projects among our affiliated, multi-disciplinary faculty

• Hosting events like the annual CEND Symposium to bring together infectious disease researchers from across campus and the Bay Area

• Providing fellowships to encourage graduate student engagement in emerging and neglected disease research

• Supporting science training and leadership development in low- and middle-income countries.

The Henry Wheeler Center for Emerging and Infectious Diseases exists to transform UC Berkeley's exceptional research potential into tangible solutions for emerging and neglected infectious diseases by supporting research and training that cross disciplines and borders. Built on four core pillars, we aim to:

• Connect brilliant minds across disciplines and continents
• Educate the next generation of global health innovators
• Research breakthrough solutions with global partners
• Accelerate the path from laboratory discovery to life-saving treatment

Through collaborative partnerships, we work to ensure that infectious disease research drives real-world solutions for communities worldwide.

The Henry Wheeler Center for Emerging and Neglected Diseases: Where Berkeley's innovation meets the world's greatest health challenges.