Marcel Tanner holds a PhD in medical biology from the University of Basel and a MPHfrom the University of London. He was Director of the Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute form 1997 to 2015 and Professor (chair) of Epidemiology, Medical Parasitology and Public Health of the University of Basel and president of the Swiss Academy of Arts and Sciences. The research ranges from basic research in cell biology and immunology to control of communicable diseases with a focus on malaria, schistosomiasis and many other NTDs as well as epidemiological and public health science and health systems research. Research, teaching and health planning are always based on long term partnerships mainly in Africa and Asia. He is member in numerous national and international bodies and boards of foundations.