The Robert E. Black Chair in International Health was created to recognize the public health legacy of ROBERT E. BLACK, MD, MPH, who chaired the Department of International Health from 1985 to 2013. He is a leading global advocate for improved child survival and development. Dr. Black’s research built the case for the best ways to prevent child deaths from malnutrition and infectious diseases in low-income countries. He was elected to the National Academy of Medicine and has received prestigious international awards for his seminal research on the effects of zinc deficiency in children and for his Lancet series showing the adverse consequences of undernutrition for mothers and children, as well as adults who were malnourished earlier in life. A portion of the funding to create the chair position was provided through a pre-existing endowment in recognition of Al Sommer.
The Robert E. Black Chair in International Health
Bloomberg School of Public Health
Established in 2023 by Robert E. Black
Held by Judd L. Walson
Dr. JUDD L. WALSON is the Chair of the Department of International Health and a Professor of International Health and Medicine at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Walson has extensive experience conducting research to define approaches to improve childhood survival, growth and development. In addition, he has experience with public health programming, policy development, product development and clinical practice. Dr. Walson has significant experience in strategic planning and analysis, having worked with many large organizations, industry partners and private foundations to inform evidence-based decisions and programming and he has served as a strategic and clinical consultant for industry and non-profit organizations. Dr. Walson also has managed and completed multiple large multi-country clinical trials and observational studies in collaboration with governments, industry, nongovernmental organizations and academic partners in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, including in Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, India, Kenya, Malawi, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand and Uganda. Dr. Walson is an inspirational leader who has effectively supervised large teams of professionals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.