Dr. Axel J. Schmidt ist Arzt und Epidemiologe. Für das BAG und Sigma-Research (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine) forscht er zu HIV, Hepatitis und sexuell übertragbaren Infektionen (STI) bei schwulen Männern. Am Kantonsspital St.Gallen leitet er die STI-Sprechstunde. 

Dr Axel J. Schmidt was the co-ordinator and lead scientist for the original EMIS Study (2009-2011). As an epidemiologist (Sigma Research, LSHTM; Swiss Federal Office of Public Health) his research has focussed on MSM-populations, hepatitis, HIV, and STIs. He also leads the STI service of the Infectious Diseases Clinic at the Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Switzerland.