Professor Brian Greenwood receives a knighthood

Congratulations to Professor Brian Greenwood CBE FRS, who has been recognised in the New Year's honours list for his contribution to malaria research in Africa. 

In a statement expressing his admiration and gratitude for his colleague, Director of the London School, Professor Peter Piot, said:

"Brian is a very deserving recipient of this honour. His leadership in the field of infectious disease, and in particular malaria research has led to developments in our understanding the pathophysiology and epidemiology of the disease, in disease diagnosis, control and treatment, and changes to public health policy around the world. His career has been rich and varied, working extensively across sub-Saharan Africa. 

Early in his career he worked for three years as a medical registrar and research fellow in Ibadan, Western Nigeria. Later, when he assisted in the establishment of a medical school at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria his research interest developed in malaria and meningococcal disease. In 1980-95, he was the director of the MRC Gambia laboratories, during which time the laboratories made a number of significant breakthroughs including the demonstration that insecticide treated bednets as an effective prevention measure against childhood malaria. 

In 1996, Brian came to work here at the School. During his time here, he set up and directed (until 2006) the Malaria Centre, bringing together the School's multi-disciplinary expertise together under one umbrella.  He was instrumental in bringing the first Gates Foundation award (of $40M) to the School, which resulted in the establishment of the Gates Malaria Partnership which Brian led. More recently he has led the Malaria Capacity Development Consortium (funded by the Gates Foundation and Wellcome Trust to support postgraduate malaria training in five universities in sub-Saharan Africa).

Brian's impact as a researcher is indisputable, pushing forward understanding and innovation, impacting on policy and health outcomes. Throughout his career, Brian has been committed to capacity strengthening and development; his role as a teacher and mentor is of huge and lasting importance. He and his leadership is an inspiration for students and colleagues."