AI Insight
This article presents two Virchow Prize Lectures delivered in October 2026 by Peter Piot and Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum, reflecting on five decades of Ebola virus research and outbreak response efforts. The lectures draw on the authors' extensive first-hand experience, as both were involved in the investigation of the first identified Ebola outbreak in 1976 in Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo) and subsequent epidemics. The presentations cover the evolution of scientific understanding, public health interventions, and lessons learned from managing Ebola outbreaks over this 50-year period.
Why it matters
These lectures provide critical historical perspective and institutional knowledge from two pioneers in Ebola research who have been directly involved in outbreak response from the virus's discovery through modern epidemics. Their insights inform current and future strategies for managing emerging infectious diseases and highlight the importance of sustained investment in outbreak preparedness and response infrastructure.
Understand the Science
These are two lectures that form the Virchow Prize Lecture given by the authors in October, 2026. The first lecture was given by Peter Piot. The second lecture was given by Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum.