Professor Sir Brian Greenwood’s retirement marks the culmination of a career that has profoundly shaped the landscape of global health. With over five decades of groundbreaking research and contributions to infectious disease control, particularly in Africa, he leaves an unparalleled legacy of scientific excellence, mentorship and public health impact. 

Early career and foundations of a global legacy

Professor Greenwood began his career as a physician and researcher at a time when the world was grappling with some of its most challenging infectious diseases. His journey into global health began in Nigeria in the 1960s, first at University College Hospital, Ibadan and then at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. It was here that his passion for tackling infectious diseases and improving health systems in resource-limited settings was ignited.

In 1980, he moved to The Gambia, where he served as Director of the MRC Gambia Laboratories. Over the next 15 years, he transformed the facility into a world-renowned centre for tropical disease research. His work in The Gambia was particularly influential in advancing understanding of diseases such as malaria, pneumonia, and meningitis, and in the development of practical interventions that continue to save lives today. 

Pioneering research in malaria

Professor Greenwood is perhaps best known for his pivotal work in malaria control. His research has been instrumental in shaping modern approaches to combat this devastating disease, from the introduction of insecticide-treated bed nets to groundbreaking vaccine trials. His leadership in clinical trials for the RTS,S malaria vaccine, the first vaccine to be recommended for widespread use, underscores his lasting influence in the field.

He also co-founded the LSHTM Malaria Centre, which has become a global hub for malaria research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and driving innovation in the fight against the disease. 

Recognitions and awards

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to global health, he has received numerous accolades. Most notably, he was awarded the first Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize, a prestigious honour celebrating individuals and organisations who have made significant contributions to health and medical research in Africa. He was knighted in 2012 for his services to the control of malaria and other tropical diseases, cementing his place among the most respected figures in global health. 

Global impact and advisory roles

Throughout his career, Sir Brian has played a central role in shaping health policy and research strategies on a global scale. He has served on numerous advisory boards, including those of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international health bodies, where his expertise has guided policies on malaria, vaccines and infectious diseases.

As a mentor, he has inspired countless students and researchers, many of whom are now leading global health experts. His emphasis on collaboration has fostered partnerships between institutions worldwide, further amplifying the impact of his work.

A lasting legacy at LSHTM

Since joining the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) in 1996, Professor Sir Brian Greenwood has been a cornerstone of the institution’s mission to improve global health through research, education, and training. His work at LSHTM has featured research that spans continents and disciplines. He has also championed capacity-building initiatives to empower researchers and health workers in low- and middle-income countries. 

Professor Greenwood said: “I have been fortunate in having a long and very interesting career that has enabled me to work with many very special people from all over the world. I have seen many changes in sub-Saharan Africa since I first went to work on the continent nearly 60 years ago. But the one that has given me the most pleasure is seeing the way in which African science, led by African scientists, has advanced dramatically during this period and contributed to a five-fold or more fall in under-five child mortality in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa since I first went to work there.”   

Associate Professor and Co-Director of the LSHTM Malaria Centre, Dr Jackie Cook said:

“Brian’s remarkable career in global health leaves an unparalleled legacy not only measured through his groundbreaking and life-saving research- but also through the profound impact he has had on nurturing the careers of countless malaria scientists, particularly from endemic countries. Over his career, his dedication to building strong collaborations and creating sustainable frameworks for capacity-strengthening has played an important role in enabling the scientific excellence and innovation that now thrives in malaria-endemic settings.” 

Professor Liam Smeeth, Director of LSHTM, said:

“Sir Brian Greenwood is an embodiment of LSHTM’s mission to improve health and health equity worldwide. From his extraordinary contributions to global public health research over six decades, to his lifelong commitment to collaboration, mentorship and capacity building, he has created a truly global legacy. Sir Brian will continue to inspire all of us within the LSHTM community for many years to come.” 

Professor Sir Brian Greenwood’s retirement marks the close of an extraordinary chapter in global health, but his influence will endure for generations to come. From his early days in Nigeria and The Gambia to his role at LSHTM and on the global stage, his contributions have saved countless lives and transformed the way we understand and combat infectious diseases.

As the global health community comes together to celebrate his achievements on November 28, we are reminded of the profound impact one individual can have on the world. Sir Brian Greenwood’s career is a testament to the power of dedication, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to improving health for all.