Infosys Prize in Life Sciences 2016

The Infosys Prize in Life Sciences for 2016 was awarded to physician-scientist Gagandeep Kang for her contributions in the field of infectious diseases, particularly the natural history of rotavirus infections and disease in children under 5 years of age. Rotaviruses are a leading cause of severe dehydrating gastroenteritis in this age group. Globally, rotavirus diarrhoea results in over 215,000 deaths each year, of which nearly 25% occurs in India. Kang's work and involvement in public health policies within India and abroad have enabled the introduction of vaccines and public health measures to reduce the burden of rotavirus disease, as well as other infectious diseases in children, and thus have far-reaching implications for child health.