During this year’s World Vaccine Congress, Velocity Clinical Research will host an exclusive “Dine and Discuss” dinner bringing together a select group of senior leaders from across the vaccine and clinical research ecosystem for an off-the-record conversation with vaccine policy and law expert Richard H. Hughes IV.
The event forms part of an ongoing series of private industry dinners hosted by Velocity that convene influential voices from government, regulation, and the life sciences industry. Designed to complement the formal conference program, these gatherings create space for candid discussion among sponsors, CRO leaders, and clinical research executives about the issues shaping the future of drug and vaccine development.
A leading voice on vaccine policy
Richard H. Hughes IV has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of law, public health, and vaccine policy. He is currently a partner at Epstein Becker & Green in Washington, D.C., and a professorial lecturer in law at George Washington University Law School.
Hughes previously served as Vice President of Public Policy at Moderna during the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, where he helped guide the company’s policy strategy during one of the most consequential periods in modern vaccine development.
In recent months, Hughes has also contributed to the broader public debate on vaccine policy through a series of widely read articles examining the growing intersection of politics, regulation, and public health.
In “Vaccine Politics”, published in Health Affairs, he reflects on the risks posed by political interference in public health decision making and the potential consequences for vaccine development and access.
In a separate commentary for STAT News, titled “The vaccine industry is not the enemy,” Hughes draws on his experience at Moderna to describe how the spirit of urgency and collaboration that defined the COVID-19 vaccine rollout has faded. He warns that regulatory uncertainty, declining public trust, and reduced investment are creating new challenges for vaccine research and innovation.
Vaccine Policy at a Political Crossroads
Today, Richard continues to play a prominent role in the public policy debate around vaccines. He serves on the board of Vaccinate Your Family and is the lead counsel in litigation challenging actions taken by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in his role as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services with respect to vaccine policy.
At the dinner, Hughes will share his perspective on the increasing influence of politics on public health decision making, the regulatory uncertainty facing vaccine developers, and the growing challenges of maintaining public trust in vaccination programs. His insights draw on experience across government, industry, and the legal system.
Continuing a series of high-level industry conversations
The World Vaccine Congress dinner continues Velocity’s program of private industry events designed to bring clients and partners closer to the policy and leadership conversations shaping clinical research.
Recent gatherings have featured senior figures from both industry and government. At the SCOPE Summit earlier this year, Velocity hosted a private dinner with senior FDA advisor Karim Mikhail, where participants discussed regulatory reform and efforts to shorten the path from drug development to commercialization.
At Obesity Week, 20th U.S. Surgeon General, Jerome Adams shared his perspective on the state of the clinical research industry, the growing importance of diversity in trials, and reflections from his time in the Trump Administration, shaping national health policy.
These events reflect Velocity’s broader commitment to fostering collaboration across the clinical trials ecosystem and ensuring that sponsors and partners remain connected to the leaders shaping the future of medical innovation.
As the vaccine sector navigates heightened political scrutiny, regulatory shifts, and evolving public sentiment, the upcoming discussion with Richard H. Hughes IV offers an opportunity for industry leaders to engage directly with one of the most informed voices in vaccine policy today.
