On Tuesday, UNESCO Headquarters in Paris hosted the award ceremony for the UNESCO-Carlos J. Finlay Prize for Microbiology, one of the most prestigious awards within the Organization’s prize system.
The prize was awarded to Thai scientist Professor Direk Limmathurotsakul by UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany and the Cuban Minister of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA), Armando Rodríguez Batista.
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Established at Cuba’s initiative in 1977, the prize is approaching its 50th anniversary as an expression of Cuba’s commitment to promoting knowledge and international scientific cooperation. Limmathurotsakul was recognized for his contributions to infectious disease research, the integration of clinical microbiology with public health policies, and his work in support of scientific collaboration in developing countries.
During the ceremony, the Director-General of UNESCO highlighted Cuba’s role in maintaining this recognition for almost five decades.
El-Enany noted that it serves as an example of how Member States can promote international scientific cooperation, not only through funding, but also by raising the profile of areas essential for sustainable development.
For his part, Cuban Minister Armando Rodríguez Batista emphasized that the award honors the memory of Dr. Carlos J. Finlay, whose legacy continues to inspire the search for scientific solutions to protect human health.
It was a great pleasure to attend the 2026 @UNESCO–Carlos J. Finlay Prize for Microbiology awarded to Dr Direk Limmathurotsakul.
Through his pioneering work on antimicrobial-resistant infections and life-threatening bacterial diseases, he is helping transform scientific… pic.twitter.com/oxCoXgmGTn
— Khaled El-Enany (@UNESCO_DG) July 16, 2026
The head of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) recalled the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and paid tribute to the Cuban scientists who developed their own vaccines. He also reaffirmed Cuba’s support for UNESCO’s leadership and called for strengthening international solidarity.
Rodríguez Batista pointed out that this edition takes on special significance as it coincides with the centenary of the birth of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, whom he recognized as the driving force behind the scientific policy of the Cuban Revolution.
Upon receiving the award, Limmathurotsakul evoked the figure of Finlay and highlighted the impact of his discovery on the transmission of yellow fever by mosquitoes. With this award, Cuba and UNESCO reaffirmed their commitment to scientific excellence and the role of microbiology as a fundamental tool for sustainable and inclusive development.
#FromTheSouth News Bits | UNESCO has warned that education in Cuba is in serious danger due to the energy crisis directly caused by the escalation of the U.S. genocidal blockade. pic.twitter.com/TjbR5M2nwW
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) June 2, 2026
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