ESCMID Excellence Awardee 2010


Albert D.M. E. Osterhaus, Professor of Virology, Medical Faculty, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam (since 1993); Professor of Environmental Virology, Veterinary Faculty, State University Utrecht (since 1990); Director of the National Influenza Center (NIC), Rotterdam (since 1993); Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Rotterdam (since 1995).
He is also Member of the Dutch Health Council (since 1995); Chairman of the European Scientific Working Group on Influenza (ESWI; since 2000); CSO of ViroClinics BV and of ViroNative BV (both spin-offs of the Erasmus MC holding). He studied at the University of Utrecht, where he also completed his doctorate in 1978. From 1978 to 1994 he held various positions at the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in Bilthoven, The Netherlands.

Research Interests
He operates on the crossroads of virology, immunology, human and animal health. Albert Osterhaus’ research focuses on linking viruses to diseases
of animals and man and on the fundamental basis of natural and vaccine-induced immunity against viruses. His main interests are in respiratory
and zoonotic virus infections where he is well known for his leading role in the discovery of novel (respiratory) viruses, both in animal and man, including the highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses H5N1 (1997) and H7N7 (2003), the SARS coronavirus (2003) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in 2001, which is the second most prominent cause of respiratory problems in young children.
He has made significant contributions to our understanding of natural and vaccine-induced immunity to viruses and to using this knowledge to design new vaccines or improve existing ones. Albert Osterhaus continues to actively participate in experiment design and laboratory work, thereby passing on his enthusiasm and expertise to a new generation of virologists.