Professor Neelika Malavige, a distinguished Sri Lankan scientist, has been appointed as the future President of the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID), a globally recognized organization dedicated to advancing research, prevention, and response to infectious diseases. She will assume the presidency in 2027 for a two-year term, marking a significant milestone in global health leadership.
Currently serving as a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Immunology and Allied Medical Sciences at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Professor Malavige holds a medical degree from the University of Colombo and a PhD from the University of Oxford. Her work has been pivotal in the study of infectious diseases, particularly in COVID-19 testing, sequencing, and virus strain identification. She has played a key role in the molecular epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Sri Lanka, helping track and understand the virus’s spread and mutations.
Her contributions to infectious disease research have earned her global recognition, placing her among the top 2% of scientists worldwide, according to the Elsevier-Stanford rankings. In addition to her work on COVID-19, she has conducted extensive research on dengue, focusing on its immunopathogenesis, biomarkers, and immune correlates of protection. Her research has significantly contributed to the development of clinical trials and a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of dengue infection.
As President-elect, Professor Malavige will play a critical role in shaping ISID’s strategic direction, fostering international collaborations, and advancing research and education in infectious diseases. Her appointment reflects the growing importance of diverse expertise in global health leadership, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s position in the international scientific community.
