Dr. Randall N. Hyer, MD, PhD, MPH, has a distinguished career spanning nearly five decades in biotechnology and public health. His extensive experience includes original research and development of vaccines, biologics, and biosimilars. As the former Senior Vice President for Global Medical at Moderna, Dr. Hyer played a crucial role in the global rollout of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. In 2017, he was instrumental in achieving FDA approval for HEPLISAV-B, a novel hepatitis B vaccine using a unique adjuvant. Currently, Dr. Hyer is the CEO of Merlin Biotech, Inc., where he spearheads the development of innovative mRNA-based cancer treatments, particularly for rare pediatric cancers. 

Dr. Hyer's career is marked by his significant contributions to risk and crisis management. He has managed large teams, directed vaccine and pharmaceutical safety programs, and overseen clinical operations in oncology and vaccines. His expertise extends to strategic communications, having co-authored the best-selling WHO Handbook “Effective Media Communication during Public Health Emergencies,” which remains a key resource globally. As Vice President for risk communication at the National Council for Radiation Protection and Measurement, Dr. Hyer advises the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, and lectures at Harvard University. 

Board-certified in general preventive medicine and public health, Dr. Hyer earned his MD from Duke University, trained at Walter Reed Hospital and Harvard, and received his PhD from the University of Oxford. His research on the genetics of juvenile diabetes won the NIH "Outstanding Research Award for Clinical Trainees" and remains widely cited. At Oxford, Dr. Hyer founded the biotechnology company Alpha-Plus DNA, which he later sold. His legislative efforts as a US Congressional Fellow led to the introduction of the Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act (GINA) of 2008. 

Dr. Hyer's military service is equally commendable. Graduating with Distinction from the US Naval Academy, he rose to the rank of Commander, participating in four major military combat operations and three complex humanitarian emergencies. He served as the Winter-Over Medical Officer at the McMurdo and South Pole Stations in Antarctica, providing sole physician support. His role as a Medical Officer and Military Liaison at the World Health Organization involved facilitating responses to crises like anthrax, Ebola, SARS, tsunamis, earthquakes, and pandemic influenza. 

A consummate explorer, Dr. Hyer has lived in Mexico, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Japan, Germany, Italy, and Antarctica, and he commands French, Spanish, Japanese, and German in addition to his native English. His global perspective is enriched by residing in eight countries and traveling to over 100, engaging in diverse roles across the public and private sectors. Dr. Hyer’s vast experience and dedication to advancing public health and biotechnology make him a sought-after speaker and consultant, known for his ability to communicate complex scientific information effectively and engage with varied audiences.