Author Description

This is a short history of the development of the International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Korea. Today, the Institute is a major contributor to the effort to improve health in lower- and middle-income countries. This success has been achieved through the efforts of many from all parts of the world. The book tells of the major contributions people like Dr. Seung-il Shin, who had the original idea; of Prof. Wan-kyu Cho, who overcame many obstacles within Korea; of Prof. Barry Bloom, who led the Board through the challenging early years, and of Dr. John Clemens, who was the first Director General and set the Institute on a firm path to international recognition. The book discusses the challenges and accomplishments of the development efforts. It also puts the development into the broader context of world events not only in science and health but also the battle between capitalism and socialism. It exams the causes of opposition to new ideas and new institutions. The book also discusses how the personal experiences of the author shaped his abilities to achieve success, with others, in establishing what was to become a major international research center.