Dr Michael Mahar

Michael Mahar is a Senior Biosecurity Policy Manager at CLTR, where he develops policy recommendations to reduce extreme biological risks and strengthen preparedness for future biological threats. He specialises in translating scientific expertise into practical governance solutions and decision-ready policy for governments and international organisations.

Prior to joining CLTR, Michael served as Deputy Director for Global Health Integration and Coordination at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), leading initiatives across CDC’s global health portfolio and advising senior leaders on biological risk management. He has also held positions at the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Academies of Sciences, and the American Society for Microbiology.

Throughout his career, Michael has worked to strengthen preparedness systems and international coordination. His work has included advancing pandemic preparedness initiatives, improving outbreak response performance, and helping shape international health security policy and governance frameworks.

Michael holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from Princeton University and a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology from Rutgers University.