Chair Professor of Virology at The University of Hong Kong
Prof. Malik Peiris is a renowned clinical and public health virologist at The University of Hong Kong, where he holds the position of Chair Professor of Virology. His research primarily focuses on emerging viral diseases at the animal-human interface, including significant work on the pathogenesis of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus and avian influenza viruses such as H5N1, H9N2, and H7N9. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the discovery of the novel SARS-coronavirus in 2003. Prof. Peiris coordinates a multi-disciplinary Area of Excellence Program dedicated to the "Control of Pandemic and Inter-pandemic Influenza" and is an investigator in the Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS) program funded by the US National Institutes of Health. He also co-directs the WHO H5 Reference Laboratory at HKU. His extensive contributions to virology have earned him numerous accolades, including election as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2006 and recognition from various international health organizations for his work in infectious disease research and public health policy.