Professor Malik Peiris, Tam Wah-Ching Professor in Medical Science, Chair Professor of Virology of School of Public Health, has been named one of the 10 “Science Stars of East Asia” by leading medical journal Nature. Professor Peiris was singled out for his success as “an infectious-disease specialist in Hong Kong, who battles emerging pathogens that threaten the global population” (link to the article)

Professor Peiris has made important contributions in understanding emerging viruses at the animal-human interface. In collaboration with colleagues, his research has provided understanding on the emergence and pathogenesis of various pandemics over the years, namely SARS, the 2009 pandemic H1N1, and avian influenza H5N1, H9N2 and H7N9. Currently, he is researching the recently-emerged MERS coronavirus, as well as studying the pathogenesis, innate immune responses, transmission, ecology and epidemiology of human and animal influenza viruses.

The 10 “Science Stars of East Asia” featured in Nature included outstanding scientists from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. Alongside Professor Peiris, HKU was represented by Professor Vivian Wing-Wah Yam, Chair Professor and Philip Wong Wilson Wong Professor in Chemistry and Energy.

The School extends our sincerest congratulations to Professor Peiris.