Marcel Tanner
Professor Marcel Tanner is professor of Epidemiology and Medical Parasitology at the University of Basel and at the Federal Institute of Technology in Switzerland. He served as director of the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute from 1997–2015 and chair of Epidemiology and Medical Parasitology at the University of Basel and at the Federal Institute of Technology. Since 2016, he has served as president of the Swiss Academy of Sciences.
Since 1977, Professor Tanner’s research has ranged from basic science research on cell biology and immunology of malaria, schistosomiasis, trypanosomiasis, and filariasis to epidemiological and public health research on risk assessment, vulnerability, health impact, and district health planning. His research, teaching, and health planning expertise are derived from his experience working in various contexts in Africa (mainly Tanzania, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire) and Asia (China, Thailand, and Laos). In addition to his research interests, he has helped advance capacity building efforts and established North-South partnerships, as reflected in the development of the Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania. Professor Tanner has published more than 600 original papers in diverse fields of study and has acted as an advisor on research related to communicable diseases and control, health system strengthening, and capacity building in numerous national and international agencies, multilateral organizations, boards and/or committees.
Professor Tanner earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Biology from the University of Basel and a master’s degree in Public Health from the University of London.