Teun Bousema

Teun Bousema is Full Professor of Epidemiology of Tropical Infectious Diseases at Radboud University Medical Center (Netherlands) since 2018 and Honorary Professor at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine since 2019. His research focuses on malaria transmission dynamics and development of transmission-blocking interventions across African settings.

Education:

• PhD in Biomedical Sciences (2003-2007) from Radboud University Medical Center & International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Kenya
• Biomedical Sciences at Radboud University, Nijmegen (awarded most promising epidemiology student in 2000)

Research Focus: Professor Bousema pioneered controlled human malaria infection models revealing early gametocyte development and persistence post-treatment. His work demonstrates asymptomatic/sub-microscopic infections drive transmission through parasite sex-ratio adaptation. Key contributions include transmission-blocking drug regimens and discovery of human immunity preventing mosquito infection via antibody activity. His spatial epidemiology approaches bridge fundamental parasitology and elimination strategies.

Scientific Recognition:

• ERC Consolidator Grant (2020) & ERC Starting Grant (2015)
• Ammodo Science Award (2019) & Eijkman Medal for Tropical Medicine (2017)
• NWO VIDI award (2016) & Merial Award for Parasitology (2012)
• Top 20 most cited malaria researcher globally (2021 analysis)

As active WHO Evidence Review Group participant (2013-2018), he shapes malaria elimination policy. His team's field studies across Africa directly inform transmission-reducing tools while he champions sustainable research practices and science communication through school outreach and documentaries.

Leadership: Elected to Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) in 2022 after joining Young Academy (2013), he directs a multidisciplinary team conducting translational malaria research with significant policy impact.