Dr. Prior trained as a life scientist with qualifications in microbiology and biochemistry. His research interests focused on microbial physiology resulting in over 20 years research experience in a wide range of multinational and biotechnological environments. He has been the Project Manager for US Department of Defense contracts that exceed $500 million and has experience in management of large, multi-disciplinary teams operating in international collaborative efforts. He has spent over 15 years working in the commercial biotechnology industry and has proven skills in the identification & appraisal of technology, project management & business development including focused growth of biotechnology and pharmaceutical projects from initial research to licensed products.
Dr. Prior is an acknowledged leader in the field of medical defense against the threat posed by biological weapons and bioterrorism who, since 1986 has advised and worked closely with government and commercial defense staffs world-wide to develop integrated strategies of medical countermeasures for BW defense. He has wide experience over the past decade in the defense industry, including appointments with the UK Ministry of Defense, NATO, and the U.S. Department of Defense. He has a unique knowledge of the issues relating to the threat posed by biological weapons, the role of medical countermeasures in countering the threat and the requirements to implement an effective strategy for defense in the military and civilian population. He was recently selected to the ‘Homeland Security 100’ as one of the most influential people in the United States for his role in helping to define a comprehensive strategy to combat the emerging terrorism threat to the nation. Dr. Prior is the founding Research Director of the National Center for Critical Incident Analysis and a Distinguished Research Professor at the National Defense University in Washington, DC.
