Institute of Human Virology Announces New Leadership Appointments

The Institute of Human Virology (IHV) is entering a new chapter of leadership with the appointment of Man E. Charurat, PhD, MHS, as Interim Director, along with several key leadership appointments that will help guide the institute's research, clinical, and educational missions.

Dr. Charurat succeeds Shyamasundaran (Shyam) Kottilil, MBBS, PhD, who has accepted the position of Vice Dean of Clinical Research at the University of South Florida. During his tenure as Interim Director, Dr. Kottilil helped position IHV for continued success through a period of significant transition, strengthening collaborations across the University of Maryland, Baltimore while advancing the institute's research enterprise.

Under Dr. Kottilil's leadership, IHV secured more than $33 million in grants and contracts in 2025 and expanded strategic partnerships with the Institute for Genome Sciences, the Kahlert Institute for Addiction Medicine, and the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center. Since joining IHV in 2014, he has built a nationally recognized clinical and translational research program in virology and infectious diseases, served as Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases since 2018, and mentored more than 30 physician-scientists and researchers.

"We appreciate all that Dr. Kottilil has done for the School of Medicine and wish him the best of luck moving forward," said Mark T. Gladwin, MD, Dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Maryland, Baltimore, and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor.

A member of the University of Maryland School of Medicine for nearly two decades, Dr. Charurat brings extensive experience in global infectious disease research, epidemiology, implementation science, and international public health partnerships.

He previously served as Director of IHV's Division of Epidemiology and Prevention and as Global Director of the Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity (Ciheb Global). Throughout his career, he has led large multinational research initiatives focused on HIV, epidemic control, implementation science, and population-based surveillance.

Dr. Charurat has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and has served as principal investigator on more than $300 million in research and training awards supporting programs throughout sub-Saharan Africa. His work continues to integrate epidemiology, clinical research, data science, artificial intelligence, and digital health technologies to improve infectious disease prevention and treatment worldwide.

As Interim Director, Dr. Charurat has also announced several leadership appointments that reinforce IHV's commitment to excellence across clinical care, translational science, and research.

Joel Chua, MD has been appointed Interim Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases within the Department of Medicine. A respected clinician and investigator, Dr. Chua's research focuses on the development of novel antiviral therapies targeting neglected and emerging viral diseases, including dengue virus infection. His commitment to outstanding patient care and collaborative leadership positions him to lead the division during this transition.

Elana Rosenthal, MD has been named Director of IHV's Clinical Research Division. An established investigator and leader within the Research Initiative on Infectious Disease and Substance Use (RIIS), Dr. Rosenthal serves as principal investigator on multiple National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases-supported projects. In her new role, she will provide strategic leadership for IHV's clinical research portfolio while strengthening the institute's translational and implementation science efforts.

Moe Sajadi, MD has been appointed Director of IHV's Translational and Basic Research Division. An internationally recognized physician-scientist, Dr. Sajadi's research has advanced understanding of HIV immunity, antibody engineering, B-cell biology, and viral hemorrhagic fevers. He currently leads multiple NIH-funded research projects and has authored more than 90 scientific publications. His appointment reflects IHV's continued investment in bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical applications.

Together, these leadership appointments position IHV to build on its long-standing tradition of excellence in infectious disease research, global health, and clinical innovation.

"As we look ahead, these appointments reflect our commitment to building strong next-generation leadership that will continue to advance IHV's mission and position us for future success," said Dr. Charurat.

Please join us in congratulating Drs. Charurat, Chua, Rosenthal, and Sajadi as they assume their new leadership roles, and in thanking Dr. Kottilil for his years of dedicated service and leadership at IHV.