Henry Wheeler Center for Emerging and Neglected Diseases

Mission

The Henry Wheeler Center for Emerging and Infectious Diseases (CEND) 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 to develop innovative interventions
  • Educate the next generation of global health innovators at Berkeley and beyond
  • Research breakthrough solutions with global partners
  • Accelerate the path from laboratory discovery to life-saving diagnostic, treatment, or vaccine

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

History and Approach

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

 

Website
cend.globalhealth.berkeley.edu
Director(s)
Staff contact
Mailing address

Center for Emerging & Neglected Diseases
University of California, Berkeley
344B Li Ka Shing Center
Berkeley, CA 94720-3370


In News

Can hepatitis C drugs help remdesivir fight COVID-19?

Since the coronavirus pandemic began, only one antiviral drug, remdesivir, has been approved in the United States for treatment of COVID-19, but it barely works and is toxic to the liver. Researchers at UC Berkeley have found 20 compounds that, in combination with remdesivir, are much better than remdesivir alone in protecting human lung cells from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.