Dr. Philippe Buchy, Institut Pasteur in Cambodia
The prize recognizes his research on tropical infectious diseases (dengue, avian influenza and tropical fevers) in Asia, notably for his work in Cambodia. For more than 15 years in the international network of Pasteur Institutes and since 2004 at the Institut Pasteur in Cambodia, Dr. Buchy has been dedicated to the improvement of therapeutics, the development of vaccines, and the training of young Cambodian scientists.
Dr. Buchy is recognized particularly for groundbreaking work on contamination by avian influenza virus occurring at the interface between man and animals and creating a one-of-a-kind platform that detects new pathogens.
By awarding the Christophe Mérieux Prize to Dr. Buchy, Fondation Christophe et Rodolphe Mérieux wanted to pay tribute to an internationally heralded contribution to the fight against emerging diseases, and to give new possibilities to continue this important work.