Charles Chiu is a leading infectious disease physician and a professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He directs the UCSF-Abbott Viral Diagnostics and Discovery Center, a research lab that uses powerful technology to find and identify new viruses and other germs. Charles is an expert in next-generation sequencing, a method that can quickly and accurately detect a wide range of infectious agents, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. This technology has helped to revolutionize the field of infectious disease diagnostics by dramatically reducing the time it takes to get a diagnosis. His work was vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, where his lab played a key role in tracking the virus and identifying new variants. In addition to his work on emerging threats, he has also conducted important research on diseases like the Zika and Lyme viruses. Charles’ research and leadership are at the forefront of the fight against infectious diseases, helping to solve medical mysteries and prepare for future outbreaks.