Honorary degree awarded to renowned pharmaceutical scientist

A leading pharmaceutical and vaccine researcher has been presented with an honorary degree by Manchester Met for her achievements in scientific innovation and the impact her work has had on improving people’s lives.  

Dr Annaliesa S Anderson received the award at a graduation ceremony at the Bridgewater Hall and was presented with the honorary Doctor of Science (DSc). 

An alumna of Manchester Met, graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Applied Biological Sciences in 1991, Dr Anderson is the Senior Vice President and Chief Vaccines Officer at Pfizer, leading a global organisation of scientists, clinicians and professional staff, with more than 30 years of pharmaceutical research experience.  

She earned her PhD in biological sciences from the University of Warwick and has contributed to the research and development of a multitude of vaccines, including for human papilloma virus while at Merck, and for pneumococcal disease, meningococcal disease, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus at Pfizer.  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped lead the development of an antiviral therapy for COVID-19, and currently leads the strategic development of an extensive vaccine portfolio for diseases including C. difficile infection, Group B Streptococcus disease, Lyme, seasonal respiratory infections, and many others. 

On receiving her honorary degree, Dr Anderson said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this doctorate from Manchester Met. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the incredible scientific community all over the world that relentlessly pursues innovation that leads to the development of life saving medicines and vaccines.  

“Their dedication and ingenuity are instrumental in transforming lives globally. It is inspiring to think of the promise held by the next generation of scientific leaders, whose passion and brilliance will undoubtedly propel science to new heights.” 

Dr Anderson has an extensive publication and patent portfolio in the areas of vaccine and anti-infective research and development and has received awards for both mentoring and diversity initiatives.  

She is also a member of the Microbiology Society, the American Society for Microbiology, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, an elected fellow to the American Academy of Microbiology, a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, an elected fellow of the Infectious Disease Society of America, and an elected fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. 

Emma Hodson-Tole, Professor of Neuromuscular Biomechanics at Manchester Met, who presented Dr Anderson with her honorary degree, said: “Each of our Graduands today are sitting in the same seats that Dr Anderson sat when she had completed her undergraduate training.  

“I hope they can take inspiration from the fact that they are following in the footsteps of someone who has taken their learnings and experiences from Manchester Metropolitan to not only forge a highly successful personal career path, but to also complete meaningful work that has important benefits for those around them.”