Director, CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health
John McDermott joined IFPRI in late 2011 to lead the CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH). Previously, he was Deputy Director General and Director of Research at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI).
As a researcher, McDermott's career has focused on public health, animal health, and livestock research in developing countries, primarily in Africa. He has led projects on zoonotic and emerging diseases in Asia and Africa. McDermott has a strong background in quantitative methods, including modeling, study design, and statistics. He has authored or co-authored 200 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and conference papers; advised more than 30 post-graduate students, including 20 PhD graduates; and served as an advisor to FAO, WHO, OIE, and other international agencies.
As a research leader, McDermott has played a pivotal role in research for development innovations, including the establishment of the Biosciences East and Central Africa hub and the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines.
