Two internationally recognised scientists, Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum and Peter Piot, have received the 2026 Virchow Prize in recognition of their decades of work advancing infectious disease research, strengthening epidemic response and improving global preparedness for public health emergencies.

The award recognises their contributions to understanding dangerous infectious diseases, particularly Ebola, and their efforts to strengthen cooperation between scientists, health institutions and governments. Their achievements demonstrate how sustained scientific research and collaboration can improve the world’s ability to identify emerging threats and respond to outbreaks.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated the two scientists in a public message, praising their work and acknowledging their lasting contribution to protecting human health. He highlighted the importance of scientific excellence, determination, collaboration and international solidarity in addressing infectious diseases.

The 2026 award is especially significant as it coincides with 50 years since the first recognised Ebola outbreak in 1976, an event that helped shape modern approaches to investigating and controlling emerging

Recognition for Decades of Infectious Disease Research

The Virchow Prize is an international award that recognises contributions to global health and the goal of improving health outcomes for people worldwide. The 2026 prize was jointly awarded to Muyembe and Piot for their pioneering work on epidemic threats and their contributions to international cooperation in public health.

The award carries a financial endowment of €500,000 and recognises achievements that extend beyond individual scientific discoveries. Its focus includes strengthening public health systems, improving epidemic preparedness and promoting collaborative approaches to health challenges that cross national borders.

The recognition of the two researchers reflects the importance of connecting laboratory discoveries with practical disease surveillance, field investigations and coordinated public health responses.

Jean-Jacques Muyembe’s Role in Ebola Investigations

Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum, a Congolese physician and microbiologist, played a crucial role in the early investigation of Ebola in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

During the 1976 outbreak, Muyembe conducted field investigations and collected samples from affected patients. His work contributed to the identification and investigation of the previously unknown disease, helping establish the scientific foundation for subsequent research.

He later became a leading figure in infectious disease research in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and headed the country’s National Institute of Biomedical Research. His career has focused on strengthening scientific capacity, investigating epidemic threats and improving the ability of health authorities to respond to dangerous pathogens.

His contributions illustrate why field research is essential during an emerging outbreak. Investigators must identify patterns of illness, collect reliable samples, understand transmission and work with local health services to limit further spread.

Peter Piot’s Contributions to Virology and Global Health

Professor Peter Piot, a Belgian-British physician and microbiologist, contributed to the early scientific investigation of Ebola after samples from the 1976 outbreak reached researchers in Europe.

Piot and his colleagues helped isolate and characterise the virus, contributing to the identification of a pathogen that would become a major focus of international infectious disease research.

His work subsequently expanded into the global response to HIV/AIDS. He conducted research into the epidemic and later became the founding executive director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, known as UNAIDS.

During his leadership, UNAIDS became an important international platform for coordinating action against HIV/AIDS and supporting collaboration among governments, United Nations agencies and public health organisations.

Piot’s career has therefore connected laboratory science with international health policy, demonstrating how research findings can inform programmes designed to prevent infections, improve access to treatment and strengthen responses to public health

Why Their Joint Recognition Matters

Although Muyembe and Piot developed their careers in different institutional and geographic settings, their contributions intersected during the investigation of Ebola. Their work illustrates the importance of cooperation between researchers working in affected communities and laboratories equipped to conduct further analysis.

Emerging infectious diseases frequently require expertise from multiple disciplines. Field epidemiologists investigate transmission, laboratory scientists identify pathogens, clinicians care for patients and public health officials coordinate prevention measures.

No single institution can perform every part of this process independently. Cooperation across borders allows countries to share scientific findings, improve surveillance and develop more effective responses when diseases spread beyond local communities.

The recognition of both scientists also draws attention to the importance of strengthening research institutions in countries where outbreaks occur. Local expertise, reliable laboratory facilities and well-supported public health systems are essential for detecting threats early and responding effectively.

Strengthening Preparedness for Future Epidemics

The lessons associated with Ebola extend to other infectious diseases that can emerge or spread rapidly. Early detection, dependable laboratory testing, trained healthcare workers and clear communication can help authorities respond before outbreaks become more difficult to contain.

Preparedness also requires sustained investment between emergencies. Public health systems need trained personnel, functioning surveillance networks, suitable equipment and procedures for coordinating national and international responses.

International solidarity is equally important because infectious diseases do not respect national borders. Sharing information and scientific expertise can help countries identify threats more quickly and reduce delays in organising an effective response.

The careers of Muyembe and Piot demonstrate the value of maintaining long-term scientific commitment to these challenges. Their work has contributed to a better understanding of epidemic threats while highlighting the relationship between scientific discovery, public health policy and international cooperation.

A Lasting Contribution to Global Health

The 2026 Virchow Prize places the achievements of Muyembe and Piot within a broader effort to improve health protection worldwide. Their careers reflect decades of research, investigation and leadership addressing some of the most demanding challenges in infectious disease control.

The congratulations expressed by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underline the international significance of their contributions and the importance of recognising scientists whose work strengthens public health.

As countries continue to confront emerging pathogens and the possibility of future epidemics, their achievements offer an important reminder that preparedness depends on more than emergency action alone. It requires sustained research, strong institutions, effective disease surveillance and cooperation between countries.

The recognition of these two scientists celebrates not only their individual accomplishments but also the collective scientific effort needed to protect communities and improve global health security.