Professor Malik Peiris

Prof Malik Peiris is a Professor of Virology at the School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong. He is a clinical and public health virologist specializing in emerging viral diseases at the animal-human interface, including vector-borne viruses, influenza, and coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. 

In 2003, Prof Peiris played a pivotal role in identifying the novel coronavirus responsible for SARS and contributed to understanding its origins, diagnosis, and control. More recently, his research has focused on zoonotic, seasonal, and pandemic influenza, as well as MERS and COVID-19, adopting a One Health approach to address these challenges. 

Prof Peiris has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of London and as a Foreign Member of the US National Academy of Sciences, recognizing his significant contributions to virology and public health.