About Marcel Tanner

Dr Marcel Tanner obtained a PhD in medical biology from the University of Basel and an MPH from the University of London. He is Director Emeritus of the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (formerly the Swiss Tropical Institute) and Professor of Epidemiology and Medical Parasitology at the University of Basel and at the Federal Institute of Technology.

Since 1977, Dr Tanner’s research has ranged from basic research on the 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 based on long experience working in rural and urban areas in Africa (mainly Tanzania, Chad, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire) and Asia (China, Thailand and Laos).

He was co-investigator and coordinator of the first African malaria vaccine trial in 1992 and has participated since then in several major intervention trials on malaria (iron supplementation, intermittent preventive treatment) and schistosomiasis. He has published over 400 original research papers as well as numerous book chapters and reviews.

Dr Tanner also acts as advisor on communicable diseases research and control, health systems strengthening and capacity building in various national and international agencies/bodies and in boards/committees such as e.g. WHO/STAC-TDR, DNDi, CHNRI, INCLEN-Trust.