As Chief Scientist, Sylvie Briand oversees the work of the Science Division, bringing together experts and networks working in science and innovation from around the world to guide, develop and deliver high quality health policies and services to the people who need them most.
Prior to this role, Dr Briand held several leadership positions at WHO, contributing significantly to global health initiatives. She was the Director of the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board Secretariat, an independent advisory body co-convened by WHO and the World Bank. As the Director of the Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention department (EPP) she was at the forefront of managing epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response for more than 20 years. Her work covered COVID-19; MERS; avian, seasonal and pandemic influenza; Ebola; Zika; chikungunya; yellow fever; plague; Nipah virus disease; cholera; smallpox; and mpox. Dr Briand has always been committed to translating science into action and promoted the sharing of knowledge through the creation of the OpenWHO training platform, the EPI-WIN transfer of knowledge platform and the WHO booklet “Managing Epidemics in the 21st century”.
Before joining WHO in 2001, Dr Briand directed international health projects at country and regional level across various geographic regions, including Europe, Africa and South America.
Dr Briand received her training in Paris and Toulouse in France. She holds a medical doctor (MD) degree with a specialization in infectious diseases, a PhD in health systems’ analysis focusing on epidemiologic surveillance, a Master’s degree in sociology and anthropology and a Master of Public Health.
