Dr. Joseph Sriyal Malik Peiris is a world-renowned virologist whose pioneering research has fundamentally advanced global understanding of emerging infectious diseases. He currently serves as Emeritus Professor at the University of Hong Kong where he held the prestigious Tam Wah-Ching Professorship in Medical Science and Chair of Virology until July 2025. After earning his MBBS from the University of Ceylon in 1972 he pursued doctoral training in virology at the University of Oxford completing his DPhil in 1981. His distinguished career includes establishing a virology department at the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka and serving as consultant clinical virologist at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne before joining the University of Hong Kong in 1995 where he was tasked with setting up a clinical virology unit at Queen Mary Hospital.
Dr. Peiris and his research team achieved global recognition in 2003 by isolating SARS-CoV the novel coronavirus responsible for the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome outbreak marking a critical turning point in pandemic preparedness worldwide. His seminal research established that live poultry markets in southern China and Hong Kong served as the source of H5N1 avian influenza transmission to humans leading to evidence-based interventions including temporary market closures that effectively halted human transmission. With over 900 peer-reviewed publications cited more than 97000 times his work has provided crucial insights into the pathogenesis of emerging viruses at the animal-human interface including influenza pandemics and coronavirus outbreaks. His research has directly informed public health policies worldwide demonstrating exceptional translational impact from laboratory discovery to real-world disease control strategies.
As a Fellow of the Royal Society of London and recipient of the John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award Dr. Peiris has shaped global infectious disease research through leadership roles including co-directing the WHO H5 Reference Laboratory and WHO SARS-CoV-2 reference laboratory. He continues to serve on numerous Hong Kong and WHO advisory committees including the WHO International Health Regulations Emergency Committee on COVID-19 maintaining his commitment to pandemic preparedness despite transitioning to emeritus status. His current research focuses on understanding SARS-CoV-2 emergence and developing strategies for controlling pandemic influenza through multi-disciplinary research programs. Dr. Peiris remains deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of virologists and advancing research on diseases affecting both local and global communities ensuring his legacy of scientific excellence continues to protect public health worldwide.
