Professor Walter A. Orenstein, a leading U.S. immunization policy expert, and DCVMN selected

Recognized for contributions to global immunization policy and expanded vaccine manufacturing capacity in developing countries

Established in 2021 to honor the late Vice Chairman ManHoon Park and promote the vaccine industry

Individuals and organizations that have contributed to advancing global immunization policy and expanding vaccine manufacturing capacity have been selected as this year’s recipients of the ManHoon Park Award, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of the vaccine industry.”

SK bioscience and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) announced on the 19th that Professor Walter A. Orenstein, a renowned U.S. vaccine policy expert, and the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN) have been selected as the recipients of the 2026 ManHoon Park Award.

The ManHoon Park Award, sponsored by SK bioscience and hosted by IVI, was established in 2021 to honor the legacy of the late Vice Chairman ManHoon Park, a pioneer of cell culture-based vaccines in Korea. Now in its fifth year, the award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to global vaccine R&D and access. Recipients are selected through a review process conducted by a 12-member committee of global experts based on nominations from around the world.

Professor Walter A. Orenstein, this year’s individual award recipient, is a public health expert who has had a profound impact on modern immunization policy and program development. From 1988 to 2004, he served as Director of the National Immunization Program at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where he significantly increased childhood vaccination rates. During his tenure, endemic measles transmission was effectively eliminated in the United States, and the incidence of multiple vaccine-preventable diseases declined by 90?99% compared to pre-vaccine levels.

He later served as Associate Director for Immunization Programs at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, contributing to global strategies for polio eradication, measles control, and strengthening routine immunization systems in developing countries. He has also advised the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on vaccine policy and strategy.

Professor Orenstein previously served as a professor at Emory University School of Medicine and held key roles at the Emory Vaccine Center. He also contributed as co-editor of Plotkin’s Vaccines, a leading textbook in vaccinology. He currently serves as Professor Emeritus at Emory University, continuing to advise on vaccine policy and mentor future experts.

The organizational award recipient, DCVMN (CEO: Rajinder Suri), is a network of vaccine manufacturers based in developing countries, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Established in 2000, DCVMN aims to strengthen vaccine manufacturing capacity and improve access. The network currently includes more than 45 manufacturers across 17 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, supplying vaccines to approximately 170 countries worldwide.

DCVMN members supply more than 6 billion doses of vaccines annually, with over 180 vaccines having obtained WHO prequalification (PQ). They play a critical role in global immunization efforts, accounting for approximately 70% of vaccines supplied to Gavi and UNICEF-supported Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), thereby significantly improving vaccine access in low- and middle-income countries.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, DCVMN members supplied more than 60% of global COVID-19 vaccine production, delivering over 9 billion doses worldwide. Through technology transfer and regulatory collaboration, DCVMN continues to strengthen vaccine R&D and manufacturing capabilities in developing countries, contributing to global health security.

Jerome Kim, Director General of IVI, said, “This year’s awardees represent both the leadership that has shaped global immunization policy and the sustainable vaccine manufacturing capacity in developing countries. Professor Orenstein and DCVMN have played a critical role in protecting countless lives by expanding access to high-quality, affordable vaccines.”

Jaeyong Ahn, President and CEO of SK bioscience, said, “We extend our deepest respect to this year’s awardees, as well as to all those dedicated to safeguarding global public health and preventing infectious diseases. SK bioscience will continue to carry forward the legacy of the late Vice Chairman ManHoon Park by leading innovation in vaccine development and ensuring stable supply to improve global health.”

Meanwhile, this year’s award ceremony will be held on April 23 to mark the fifth anniversary of the late Vice Chairman Park’s passing. The awardees are expected to visit Korea to attend the ceremony.

Late Vice Chairman ManHoon Park

He earned his bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology from Seoul National University, a master’s degree in Virology from the same institution, and a Ph.D. in Molecular Virology from the University of Ottawa, Canada. He later served as Head of the Bio Division at SK Chemicals Life Science R&D Center, President (CTO) of SK Chemicals, and Vice Chairman of SK bioscience.

He is widely recognized for leading SK bioscience’s global vaccine R&D and elevating Korea’s vaccine capabilities to a global level. He contributed to the development of cell culture-based influenza vaccines, pneumococcal vaccines, and shingles vaccines, advancing the domestic vaccine industry and strengthening vaccine sovereignty.