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Vaccinologist & pandemic expert

Sarah Gilbert

Strengthen pandemic preparedness with Sarah Gilbert, speaker and leading vaccinologist. Sarah works with global organisations to enhance vaccine development, infectious disease response, and public health strategy, delivering Dame-recognised expertise behind the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

Trusted by Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford

Sarah Gilbert, Speaker | Vaccinology Prof, Oxford
Sarah Gilbert

Sarah Gilbert

Oxford, United Kingdom

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This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Oxford, United Kingdom

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Sarah Gilbert's biography

At a glance

  • Pioneering developer of Oxford AstraZeneca COVID vaccine
  • Professor of Vaccinology at Oxford University
  • Author of Sunday Times bestseller Vaxxers
Dame Sarah Gilbert is one of the world’s leading vaccinologists, recognised for her pivotal role in developing the Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. As Saïd Professor of Vaccinology at the Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, she has dedicated her career to protecting global health through the creation of vaccines against influenza and a wide range of emerging pathogens. Sarah’s expertise lies in designing viral vectored vaccines that stimulate strong immune responses. Her work has contributed to vaccine development for diseases such as Nipah virus, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Lassa fever. In early 2020 she and her team rapidly designed a vaccine against the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which went on to become one of the most widely used vaccines in the world, with billions of doses delivered globally. Her scientific achievements are matched by a commitment to ensuring vaccines move quickly from the laboratory to clinical trials and manufacturing, a process she has refined over decades of collaboration at Oxford. Alongside her colleague Catherine Green, she co-authored the Sunday Times bestseller Vaxxers, offering insight into the urgent scientific effort behind the Oxford vaccine. Sarah’s contributions have been widely recognised. She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to science and public health, awarded the Princess of Asturias Award for Technical and Scientific Research, and elected Fellow of the Royal Society. Other honours include the Albert Medal of the Royal Society of Arts and the King Faisal Prize in Medicine. Through her work, Sarah continues to shape the field of vaccinology and strengthen global preparedness against future pandemics.

Dame Sarah's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Dame Sarah

Dame Sarah Gilbert, the pioneering vaccinologist who developed the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, offers organisations invaluable insights on scientific innovation under pressure, cross-sector collaboration, and evidence-based communication during global crises. Book this world-leading expert to inspire your team with the scientific brilliance and practical wisdom that helped save countless lives during our greatest modern health challenge.

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Trusted by Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford

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Vaxxers

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Sarah Gilbert for my next event?
Email sarah.gilbert@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Dame Sarah's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Sarah Gilbert's speaking style like?
Previous bookers say Sarah Gilbert connects well with audiences and speaks with clarity, confidence, and ease.
What topics does Sarah Gilbert specialise in?
Sarah Gilbert specialises in discussing vaccine development, viral-vectored vaccines, rapid clinical translation of vaccines and more.
Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

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Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

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Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

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How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

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