Fabian Leendertz with certificate
© HIOH
Fabian Leendertz, newly elected member of the Academy of Sciences in Hamburg.
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A strong voice for One Health

Fabian Leendertz has been elected as a new member of the Academy of Sciences in Hamburg in recognition of his distinguished research in global health

During the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Academy of Sciences in Hamburg , Fabian Leendertz, founding director of the Helmholtz Institute for One Health (HIOH), was inducted as a full member. The ceremony took place on 16 October 2025 in Hamburg. Five new members joined the interdisciplinary network, which currently comprises 145 leading scientists from northern Germany. HIOH is a site of the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI).

Leendertz's interdisciplinary research integrates human, animal, and environmental health, making significant contributions to global health security. He received international recognition for his research on the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014 and for his role in the WHO expert group investigating the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leendertz has received several prestigious awards for his scientific contributions, including the 2020 “Champion of the Earth Award” from the United Nations Environment Programme and the 2023 Hamburg Science Award for his work on “One Health”.

His election to the academy recognizes his outstanding scientific achievements and his contribution to fostering collaboration across disciplines and institutions. Leendertz's membership further advances One Health research in northern Germany and internationally.

Further information

Press release of the Academy of Sciences in Hamburg (in German) 

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Magdalena Wɫodarz
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+49 3834 3916-122

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