The UNMC Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology will host a retirement event for Peter Iwen, PhD, in the Durham Research Center commons area from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, July 10.
The UNMC campus community is invited to attend the event.
Dr. Iwen, who joined UNMC in 1978, is a professor in the UNMC Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology. He also has served as senior biosafety officer for UNMC and the University of Nebraska at Omaha and as the director of the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory.
Since 2018, Dr. Iwen also has held a faculty appointment as professor in the UNMC Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health.
“Dr. Iwen’s more than 40 years of service to our institution and department have left an extraordinary legacy,” said Joseph Khoury, MD, chair of the UNMC Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology. “Through his leadership of the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory, more than 150 publications, mentorship of generations of trainees, and nationally and internationally recognized work in public health response, Dr. Iwen has had a profound and lasting impact. We are deeply grateful for his contributions and delighted that he will remain part of our community as emeritus professor.”
Dr. Iwen has received numerous awards during his UNMC career. Most recently, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Public Health Laboratories in May. Among his other honors and awards are:
- APHL Leadership in Biosafety and Biosecurity Award, 2025.
- UNMC Distinguished Alumnus Award, 2023.
- North Dakota State University Alumni Achievement Award, 2023.
- Distinguished Scientist Award, UNMC, 2019.
- Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology, 2017.
- Midlanders of the Year in recognition of Ebola fighters, Omaha World-Herald, 2014.
- UNMC Outstanding Teacher Award, 2006
Dr. Iwen will retain emeritus status in retirement.