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The Global Health Office is pleased to announce the recipient of the Third Annual Chanchlani Global Health Research Award: Dr. Ab Osterhaus, world-renowned researcher and virology professor. Dr. Osterhaus will accept the award on February 25, 2015 at the annual Chanchlani Global Health Research Award and Lecture, an event dedicated to recognizing a leading scholar in the area of global health.

 

The Award was created at McMaster in 2012 with a visionary gift from the Chanchlani Family. In September, Vasu Chanchlani, who founded the Chanchlani Research Centre with his wife, Dr. Jayshree Chanchlani, passed away. His many friends at McMaster University will miss him profoundly.

 

This year’s recipient, Ab Osterhaus, is an internationally recognized and award-winning scientific researcher and principal investigator for numerous major scientific projects.

As Professor of Virology in Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Hannover, Osterhaus ran the virology diagnostic and research labs at Erasmus MC. His research program involved an integrated viroscience concept, bringing together world-leading scientists in molecular virology, immunology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and intervention studies on human and animal viral infections.

 

After handing over the chairmanship of the Erasmus MC Viroscience lab in 2014, he is currently establishing new One Health Institutes in Utrecht and Hannover.

 

His major accomplishments include the discovery of over 50 new viruses in humans and animals, influential work on the pathogenesis of major infections, and the development of innovative intervention strategies.

 

His work has enabled health authorities including the WHO to combat outbreaks like SARS, MERS, and avian influenza. As Chief Scientific Officer at Viroclinics Biosciences BV, Osterhaus leads effective testing and refining of preventive, therapeutic, and diagnostic tools.

 

He has mentored over 60 PhD students, holds several key patents, and has authored more than 1100 papers in peer-reviewed journals, cited over 45,000 times, and his H index is more than 90. Moreover, Osterhaus firmly believes scientists have a role to play in translating their knowledge for the benefit and protection of society.

 

We look forward to his presentation, From Zoonosis to pandemic in a changing world, which he will deliver at the Chanchlani Global Health Research Award and Lecture on February 25. Please visit the Global Health events page for more details about this and other upcoming events.