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“What excites me most is continuing to bring people together across colleges and disciplines to build collaborative teams capable of addressing complex infectious diseases challenges.”
Jordi B. Torrelles, PhD, has been named faculty director of The Ohio State University Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI). He will assume leadership of the IDI on July 1, 2026, succeeding inaugural IDI faculty director Michael Oglesbee, DVM, PhD, professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine, who will retire on June 30, 2026.
Featured Assets and Partner Facilities
The IDI advances interdisciplinary infectious disease research through global affiliations, cutting-edge lab services, and unique facilities of key partners.
UN FAO Reference Centres
The IDI is a United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) International Reference Centre for antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic coronaviruses.
IDI-GEMS Lab
The IDI Genomics and Microbiology Solutions Lab (IDI-GEMS) provides next-generation sequencing, cutting-edge bioinformatics, and other lab services to facilitate research needs.
PAAR Facility
The Plant and Animal Agrosecurity Research Facility (PAAR) on the Wooster campus is one of only two nationally with both plant and animal capabilities at the BSL-3 and BSL-3 Ag levels.
Tracking Ticks. Advancing Science. Protecting Health.
From comprehensive tick-borne pathogen testing, to tick surveillance and research, the IDI is leading the state and the region to address the rising impact of ticks on public and animal health.
Buckeye Tick Test
Comprehensive tick-borne pathogen testing based on tick species. Reports with tick identification and test results provided within 72 business hours from the date/time of tick sample(s) receipt. Order your test today!
Webinar: Protecting You, Your Family, and Your Animals from Ticks
Missed the live webinar? Watch the recording featuring Ohio State experts Dr. Tim McDermott and Dr. Risa Pesapane to learn about tick species, tick-borne disease, Buckeye Tick Test and how to stay “tick safe.”
Featured Events
IDI and its key partners host various impactful events to advance interdisciplinary infectious disease research, education, and innovation. See the featured events below and visit the IDI Events Calendar at the link below to see all IDI events.
Current Topics in Virus-Host Interactions Fall 2026 Seminar Series
Tuesdays
165 DHLRI or Zoom
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Join our weekly seminar on current topics in virus-host interactions featuring leading experts in the field. Seminars are offered in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual attendance options.
Host Defense and Microbial Biology Rising Star Seminar
September 16, 2026
170 DHLRI
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The seminar will feature Dr. Joseph P. Zackular, assistant professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; and Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
IDI 8th Annual Meeting
November 9, 2026
Ohio Union
8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
This all-day meeting is the IDI’s premier annual event, bringing together leading experts to explore interdisciplinary infectious disease research. Dr. Sadie Ryan, professor, University of Florida, and Dr. Jacqueline Kirchner, deputy director, Gates Foundation will deliver keynote presentations.
Become A Member
Become a part of the IDI's growing interdisciplinary research community. All university students, faculty, and staff – regardless of discipline/field – are welcome!