Ab Osterhaus is one of the world’s leading virologists, with a career spanning more than four decades in academic and applied virology.

He was Professor of Virology at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam, where he built and led the Viroscience department, and holds a chair in wildlife virology and virus discovery at Utrecht University. He also established the Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover.

His work has led to the discovery of more than eighty viruses new to humans or animals, including human metapneumovirus and the SARS and MERS coronaviruses. He has authored more than 1,450 highly cited publications, founded several biotech spin-offs, and advised the WHO and national health authorities on the response to major outbreaks, including SARS and avian influenza.