Physician.
Epidemiologist.

Conservationist.

Dr. Neil Vora is a physician whose work bridges public health, environmental conservation, and climate action.

Neil serves as Executive Director of the Preventing Pandemics at the Source Coalition and Senior Advisor for One Health at Conservation International, where he champions bold, science-driven solutions for people and planet. A former CDC epidemiologist, Neil has led high-stakes outbreak investigations around the world—from Anthrax to Zika. Neil consistently publishes in top outlets and spearheads research bridging human, animal, and environmental health.

Neil is a dynamic, passionate speaker who captivates audiences—whether on stage or in a recording studio. He skillfully blends deep expertise with storytelling that sparks curiosity and leaves listeners inspired.

The Last of Us is right: Our warming planet is a petri dish

Neil explores how climate change could increase the risk of fungal outbreaks, drawing upon the fictional outbreak in hit zombie TV show The Last of Us.

Save the Earth’s ‘creepy-crawlies.’ Some of them just might save us

Neil describes how conserving reptiles is critical for biodiversity, and also for the next major medical breakthrough.

Jiu jitsu—yes, the sport with chokeholds—has something to teach America about community

In an era of hyperpartisanship and alienation, Neil has seen firsthand how Brazilian jiu jitsu can be a moderating force.

  • Pandemic prevention

    Neil co-chairs the Lancet Commission on Prevention of Viral Spillover, composed of a diverse team of 29 Commissioners, all working together to mobilize global decision-makers and implementers to take transdisciplinary action to limit viral spillovers through research, policy, law, and practice—thereby reducing the risk of future pandemics while promoting a more sustainable and equitable future.

  • Biodiversity, climate change, and One Health

    Neil has authored a number of pieces in journals including The Lancet and Nature making the case for using a systems approach to address converging existential threats, from the climate crisis to the loss of biodiversity, as humanity continues to exceed multiple planetary boundaries.

  • COVID-19 and pneumonia

    Neil was at the forefront of the COVID-19 response in New York City, including leading the city’s COVID-19 contact tracing program through which he oversaw a team of over 3,000 staff that traced more than 700,000 affected New Yorkers during his tenure, as reported in JAMA Network Open.

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Read more about Neil’s unusual career trajectory.