Dr. Direk Limmathurotsakul has been awarded the 2026 UNESCO-Carlos J. Finlay Prize for Microbiology, established to honour scientists for outstanding contributions to microbiology and its applications. He is recognized for pioneering research on melioidosis and antimicrobial-resistant infections, and for connecting microbiological evidence with health systems to inform local, national and international action against neglected bacterial diseases and antimicrobial-resistant infections.
His approach includes improvement of surveillance, diagnosis, treatment and prevention; focusing on both science and service; and working closely with healthcare workers and policy makers who turn evidence into action.
"Science can reveal the truth, but only service can act on it. We need both."