WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Open World Leadership Center welcomes its fifth delegation of Senator Ben Nelson Fellows, six medical researchers from Russia. Open World’s Board of Trustees created the Senator Ben Nelson Fellows program to honor Senator Nelson's contribution to Open World and improve ties between the U.S. and Russia. After an orientation in Washington, D.C., delegates’ professional programming will occur in Omaha, NE, Senator Nelson’s home state. Local homestays for delegates will be hosted by Council Bluffs Sister City in Council Bluffs, IA from June 9–17.

Throughout the program, delegates will gain insight into developing treatment options and vaccines for those infected by Zika virus. In Washington, D.C., delegates will meet Dr. Ranjan Gupta, Ph.D., Regional Officer for South Asia & Eurasia, Office of Global Research (OGR) at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institute of Health (NIH), followed by a meeting with Rep. David Young (IA-03).

In Omaha, delegates will attend a welcome luncheon hosted by Mr. Michael B. Yanney, former Open World Trustee with special guest, Senator Ben Nelson at the Omaha Country Club. Mr. Yanney is a leading businessmen and philanthropists in Omaha. Representing Open World will be Jane Sargus, Deputy Executive Director.

The duration of the program will occur at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). At UNMC, delegates will meet medical professionals, public health/entomology officials, and local government leaders on public health approaches to address Zika virus.

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