PHRI has been on the cutting edge of infectious disease research since its founding. Institute scientists have an impressive record of accomplishments during the past sixty years, including the following:

• 1940s: PHRI produced and distributed the smallpox vaccine in New York City
  
• 1950s: The Institute's scientists developed methods to boost antibody response to infection
  
• 1960s: Work was done at PHRI which led to a vaccine for dengue fever
  
• 1970s: PHRI researchers identified cancer-causing oncogenes
  
• 1980s: Institute scientists discovered the gene for toxic shock syndrome
  
• 1990s: PHRI researchers identified the multidrug-resistant TB strain "W"