Prof Malik Peiris on his path to studying emerging infectious diseases and the challenges of this work

Professor Malik Peiris, co-winner of the 2021 John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health award talks to Cell correspondent on his path to studying emerging infectious diseases and the challenges of this work. In the wide-ranging interview, Peiris discussed his critical need for further research on infectious diseases, and the impact of human behaviour on wildlife and the spread of pathogens. ‘‘While pathogen adaptation is one key factor in these zoonotic species-jumps, the reason why such events are increasing in recent decades is primarily due to human behaviour and activities, ” he said. Excerpts of their exchange are posted here.