«Digitalization that continues to build on the social tissue and on individuals will prevent the fragmentation of society, open up potential and dimensions, and strengthen sustained social development»

Biography

Marcel Tanner obtained a PhD on medical biology from the University of Basel and a MPH from the University of London. He was Director of the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute from 1997 to 2015 and continues as Professor of Epidemiology and Medical Parasitology at the University of Basel and at the Federal Institute of Technology. He is President of the Swiss Academy of Sciences. Since 1977, his research ranges from basic research on the cell biology and immunology on 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 substantial long term experience from working in rural and urban areas in Africa (mainly Tanzania, Chad, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire) and Asia (China, Thailand, Laos). Besides research the capacity building and North-South partnership was a main interest as reflected in the development of the Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania. He has published extensively in the many fields (>600 original papers). He also acted and 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.