Amir Attaran

Biography of Amir Attaran

Amir Attaran

Amir Attaran speaking at an H1N1 conference

Amir Attaran is a Canadian-American lawyer, immunologist, and academic known for his work in public health, law, and policy. He is a professor at the University of Ottawa, where he holds a joint appointment in the Faculty of Law and the School of Epidemiology and Public Health.

Early life and education

Attaran was born in the United States and raised in Canada. He completed his undergraduate studies in neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley. He then pursued a PhD in immunology at the University of Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. Following his doctoral studies, Attaran earned a JD from the Stanford Law School.

Career

Attaran's career spans multiple disciplines, including law, public health, and policy. He has worked with various international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank. His research and advocacy have focused on issues such as access to medicines, global health, and human rights.

Academic work

At the University of Ottawa, Attaran teaches courses in both the Faculty of Law and the School of Epidemiology and Public Health. His academic work often addresses the intersection of law and public health, with a particular emphasis on the legal and ethical dimensions of health policy.

Public health advocacy

Attaran is known for his outspoken advocacy on public health issues. He has been a vocal critic of policies that he perceives as detrimental to public health, including those related to intellectual property and access to medicines. He has also been involved in legal actions aimed at improving health outcomes and protecting human rights.

Controversies

Attaran has been involved in several high-profile controversies, often related to his criticism of government policies and practices. His outspoken nature has made him a prominent figure in debates on public health and law, but it has also attracted criticism from some quarters.

Related pages

• Public health
• Immunology
• Human rights
• University of Ottawa