Professor Sucharit Bhakdi was born in Washington DC to Thai parents, and his childhood was a mixture of cultures due to his father’s diplomatic service. This exposure to various cultures and health systems sparked his interest in medicine, leading him to pursue his studies in Germany.
After obtaining his medical doctorate, Sucharit’s postdoctoral research set a strong foundation for his future academic roles, culminating in professorships at Giessen University and Mainz University, where he stayed until his retirement.
His research legacy
In the realm of scientific research, his focus on pore-forming proteins has been instrumental in understanding how our bodies fend off microbial invaders. His work has not only expanded the knowledge in immunology but also provided insights into vaccine development and disease prevention strategies. His innovative approach to atherosclerosis, through the Mainz Hypothesis, offered a fresh perspective on cardiovascular diseases, challenging established theories.
His malaria research shed light on the survival tactics of the malaria parasite, contributing to the development of potential treatments.
After retirement
Post-retirement didn’t mean a slowdown for Sucharit.
At Kiel University, he delved into the study of proteinases, which are enzymes that play a critical role in the body’s cellular functions and have implications for understanding complex diseases like cancer.
His work in this area continued to push the boundaries of medical knowledge and opened up new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
His awards are numerous:
- Justus Liebig University Giessen Prize (1979)
- Konstanz Medicine Prize (1980)
- German Society for Microbiology Prize (1987)
- Dr Friedrich Sasse Prize (1988)
- Ludwig Schunk Prize for Medicine (1989)
- Robert-Koch-Förderpreis of Clausthal-Zellerfeld (1989)
- Gay-Lussac Humboldt Prize (1991)
- Aronson Prize (2001)
- HW Hauss Award (2005)
- Verdienstorden des Landes Rheinland-Pfalz (2005)
- Rudolf-Schönheimer Medal of the German Society for Arteriosclerosis Research (2009)
Beyond formal education
Beyond his laboratory achievements, Sucharit has been a beacon of knowledge, sharing his insights with medical students and the public.
In Corona, False Alarm? Sucharit and Karina Reiss dissect the maelstrom of information surrounding the fake pandemic, critically examining the justification for lockdowns, social distancing, and mask-wearing. They delve into the statistics of infection and mortality rates, comparing them to past coronaviruses and influenza, while also probing the efficacy and safety of the rapidly developed vaccines.
As the Covid™ era unfolded, he positioned himself as a challenger to the prevailing scientific consensus. He scrutinised the global response, advocating for a reassessment of the risks associated with the so-called deadly disease.
His scepticism about the mass vaccination campaigns sparked debate and controversy within the establishment.
Which is great.
Here’s my conversation with him (which was removed by YouTube).
Fear doesn’t exist anywhere except in the mind.
Dale Carnegie
