The Beat

HLTH: mRNA Innovation for Equity – How Moderna is Transforming Vaccine Access with Hamilton Bennett

Episode Summary

Innovative mRNA technology, equitable vaccine distribution, and collaborations are transforming the vaccine landscape and addressing global health challenges. In this episode, Hamilton Bennett, senior director of vaccine access and partnerships at Moderna, shares her excitement about Moderna's innovative mRNA technology and its potential to transform the vaccine landscape, emphasizing equitable vaccine development and distribution. She discusses Moderna's collaboration with governments and stakeholders to build resilient health systems, the importance of understanding community needs, and the "mRNA Access Program" for academic researchers. She also highlights the need for collaboration, cutting-edge research, and global health equity, encouraging listeners to stay informed through Moderna's LinkedIn and website. Tune in and discover the transformative potential of Moderna's mRNA technology in the vaccine field!

Episode Notes

About Hamilton Bennett:

Hamilton Bennett is a seasoned public health professional with over 15 years of experience, currently serving as the Senior Director of Vaccine Access and Partnerships at Moderna. She played a pivotal role in leading the mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine development program, contributing significantly to one of the earliest vaccines against the pandemic. With a strong dedication to equitable vaccine development and distribution, Hamilton collaborates closely with governments and stakeholders to build resilient health systems capable of responding swiftly to pandemics and vaccine-preventable diseases.

Hamilton is passionate about fostering innovation through Moderna's "mRNA Access Program," which enables academic researchers to use Moderna's platform to improve emergency disease responsiveness. Her educational background includes graduate degrees in Environmental Health and Microbiology from the University of Washington, along with a certificate in Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Hamilton's commitment to cutting-edge research and global health equity continues to drive her efforts in transforming the vaccine landscape.

Things You’ll Learn:

  1. Moderna's innovative mRNA technology has the potential to revolutionize the vaccine landscape.
  2. The importance of equitable vaccine development and distribution to ensure all communities have access to life-saving vaccines.
  3. Collaboration with governments and stakeholders is crucial for building resilient health systems capable of responding to pandemics and vaccine-preventable diseases.
  4. Moderna's mRNA Access Program enables academic researchers to use their platform, fostering innovation and improving emergency disease responsiveness.
  5. The necessity of strategizing for both current healthcare needs and future challenges, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, cutting-edge research, and global health equity.

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