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United States Larry Brilliant is an epidemiologist, technologist, and philanthropist known for his pivotal role in global health initiatives, including the eradication of smallpox.
Worked from 1973–1976 helping to successfully eradicate smallpox. Also worked with WHO in India in the campaign to eradicate polio.
Inaugural Executive Director of Google.org, the charitable arm of Google established in 2005.
First CEO, established in 2009 by eBay founder Jeff Skoll to address climate change, pandemics, water security, nuclear proliferation, and conflict in the Middle East.
Chairman of the Board.
On the board of the philanthropic organization established by former eBay president Jeff Skoll.
On the board.
Co-founder and chairman of an international, non-profit, health foundation aimed at curing blindness. Also on the board.
On the board.
Proud member of the TED community and received the TED Prize in 2006, granting him $100,000 and 'One Wish to Change the World' to build a powerful new early warning system against pandemics.
CEO and senior counselor.
Medical Analyst.
Discussed his career, the evolving health landscape, and the role of AI in solving pressing global health issues with Usama Fayyad at The State of AI in Precision Health.
Delivered the Samuel L. and Elizabeth Jodidi Lecture at Harvard's Memorial Church on March 29, 2023, offering insights into his experience.
An alumnus (MPH '77), he served as an associate professor of epidemiology and international health planning. He also donated the WHO India smallpox campaign archive to the Bentley Historical Library.
Interviewed on the coronavirus by Wired, where he drew parallels and lessons from his experience eradicating smallpox.
Discussed his career and insights into global health with tech giants to fill gaps, including a digital disease surveillance program.
Spoke at Dreamforce '16 on 'What We Must Do As A Nation', discussing the role of philanthropy in global health.
Shared insights on the role of the US in global health.
Presented his book 'Sometimes Brilliant' and discussed his life and work.
Lawrence Brilliant, born on May 5, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, is an American epidemiologist, technologist, philanthropist, and author. He earned his undergraduate and Master of Public Health degrees from the University of Michigan and his Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University School of Medicine. Early in his career, he became involved in social activism, including the occupation of Alcatraz Island in 1969. Following this, he participated in a relief convoy to Bangladesh and later spent several years in India, where he was inspired by Neem Karoli Baba to dedicate himself to eradicating smallpox. From 1973 to 1976, Brilliant worked with the World Health Organization on the successful smallpox eradication program.
After returning to the United States, Brilliant co-founded the Seva Foundation in December 1978, an international non-profit health foundation. Under his leadership, Seva Foundation’s projects in various countries, such as China, Nepal, and India, restored sight to over 3 million people through surgery and sustainable eye care systems, including the establishment of the Aravind Eye Hospital in Madurai, India. He also served as a professor of international health at the University of Michigan. In 1985, he co-founded The WELL, an early online community recognized for its pioneering role in digital communication.
In 2005, Brilliant joined Google as the inaugural Executive Director of Google.org, the company’s philanthropic arm, a position he held until 2009. He then became the first CEO of the Skoll Global Threats Fund, established to address global challenges like climate change and pandemics. In 2006, he received the TED Prize for his work in public health, using his “Wish to Change the World” to advocate for a global early warning system for pandemics. He has also advised on COVID-19 response efforts and continues to serve as the CEO for Pandefense Advisory and as a CNN Medical Analyst.
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