Lecture by Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe
On 24 March 2025, the Sorbonne University Global Health Institute (ASU-GHI) had the privilege of welcoming Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe, an eminent microbiologist and epidemiologist renowned for his central role in the discovery of the Ebola virus and the management of major epidemics in Central Africa.
Entitled “50 Years of Epidemic Investigation in Central Africa,” this conference brought together more than 150 participants — researchers, health professionals, students and institutional representatives — from France, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other countries, who came to hear an exceptional scientific and human testimony.
For two hours, Professor Muyembe recounted his career and shared the lessons learned from half a century in the field, emphasising the need for a multisectoral approach to respond effectively to health crises. He stressed the importance of collaborating with anthropologists and social scientists to understand local social dynamics and promote community engagement upstream of medical interventions.
The conference was attended by several prominent figures from Sorbonne University:
Marie-Aude Vitrani, Vice-President for Institutional Life and Participatory Approach,,
Anne-Geneviève Marcelin, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, representing Dean Bruno Riou,
Professor Renaud Piarroux,
As well as members of the ASU-GHI Management Committee.
We would like to extend our warmest thanks to the Faculty of Health Sciences of Sorbonne University for hosting and supporting the organisation of this event.
This meeting is fully in line with the mission of the ASU-GHI, which promotes transdisciplinary, participatory and action-oriented research at both the local and global levels.