Marcel Tanner

Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute

Dr. Marcel Tanner is Director of the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and Professor of Epidemiology and Medical Parasitology at the University of Basel and at the Federal Institute of Technology.

Since 1977, his 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 term experience working in rural and urban areas in Africa (mainly Tanzania, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire) and Asia (China, Thailand, Laos).

He was co-investigator and coordinator of the first African malaria vaccine trial in 1992 and since then, has participated 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 and in boards/committees such as WHO/STAC-TDR, DNDi, CHNRI, and INCLEN-Trust. 

Chapters Authored

Major Infectious Diseases