Jia-Gang Guo China, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases; and Switzerland, World Health Organization “In my 40-year career, I was fortunate to meet Professor Marcel Tanner. With his help, I grew up and came closer to international cooperation, step-by-step. He not only gave me a professional degree, but also set a perfect example of a scientist, which was worth emulating for my life.” (4 September 2022)

Jo-An Occhipinti (neé Atkinson) Australia, University of Sydney “I am fortunate to call Marcel a mentor and friend. He has long supported women for science leadership and has shaped my career in important ways. Marcel taught me that the advancement of science and public health only comes from having the courage and persistence to chase innovation, rather than ‘metrics and me-too studies’. He also instilled in me the importance of working with ‘head, heart, and hand’.” (6 September 2022)

Mauro Moruzzi Switzerland, Former Ambassador and Member of the Neuchâtel Municipal Council “Over the past four decades, Marcel has changed the life of millions of people on five continents, thanks to his incredible, relentless work, both on the field—where he loves to be—and in labs as an outstanding researcher and scientist, in classrooms as a respected and beloved professor, spending half of his time travelling around the world to meet politicians, academics, charity heavy-weights, journalists, civil servants, NGOs representatives, and many more. The secret behind his incredible track-record? He pays every single person, no matter his or her social or economic background, exactly the same respect and he listens carefully to the people’s real concerns, to address the right issues. Your contribution to make this world a more human one, dear Marcel, is an invaluable example and inspiration to all of us, and especially to me: thank you!” (6 September 2022)

Salim Abdulla Tanzania, Ifakara Health Institute “From a humble beginning, the Ifakara Health Institute has grown to be among the leading health research institutes in Africa. Prof. Marcel Tanner has been the institute’s shining light through this journey, mentoring, guiding, and supporting me and the leading scientists that you see today in the institute. His dedication, humility, kindness to all, commitment to quality work, and perseverance towards solving the pressing health problems in our communities continues to shape the development of the institute and its people.” (7 September 2022)

Margaret Gyapong Ghana, University of Health and Allied Sciences “I first met Professor Marcel Tanner in the early 1990s. I was amazed at his intelligence and ability to switch from a highly knowledgeable scientist commenting on updates from parasitology to social science and economics and then to a social person at evening receptions who would crack jokes and make everyone go in stitches with laughter. Little did I know he would become one of my Ph.D. supervisors a few years later. His ability to find time to read my work on a regular basis and give me comments and guidance without fail was remarkable. I owe a lot of my achievements to his guidance and recommendation for which I am truly grateful.” (7 September 2022)

Joanna Schellenberg UK, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine “Marcel, you have more energy and enthusiasm than anyone else I know! You are always ready to identify and engage in the key issues, to solve problems, to connect people, and to share your joy in pushing forward the boundaries of science. And with a wonderful sense of humour! Thank you!” (5 October 2022)