Thierry Burnouf of TMU wins the “2024 Executive Yuan Award for Outstanding Science and Technology Contribution” for his research on blood products
Vice Dean Thierry Burnouf of the College of Biomedical Engineering at Taipei Medical University has been awarded the “2024 Executive Yuan Award for Outstanding Science and Technology Contribution”, once again affirming his long-term dedication and groundbreaking achievements in the field of blood research and biomedical engineering.
Vice Dean Burnouf is recognized as a pioneer in transfusion medicine research and development, having received numerous accolades in the field. His contributions have significantly impacted the evolution of the plasma fractionation bioprocessing and virus inactivation technologies leading to safe treatment of patients with several blood disorders such as hemophilia and immunodeficiencies. In 2024, he was also honored with the prestigious Presidential Award from the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT), often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of transfusion medicine." He was the 13th-ever recipient of this prestigious award, which is given only once every two years, highlighting his significant contributions to the development of new plasma-derived and platelet-derived therapies and safer transfusion medicine. This recognition underscores his innovative research in transfusion therapies, and ongoing efforts in education and service, advancing the progress of transfusion medicine, bioprocessing, and bioengineering.
Dr. Burnouf joined Taipei Medical University in 2008 as a visiting professor and was promoted to full professor in 2012. He also became the university's first foreign director of a graduate institute. Over the years, he has received numerous international recognitions, including awards from the International Plasma Fractionation Association (IPFA) and Taiwan's Ministry of Science and Technology (NSTC), for his outstanding contributions to developing novel plasma fractionation techniques, virus inactivation and removal technologies, and novel human platelet lysates for expanding therapeutic human cells and for treating neurodegenerative diseases. He has published over 350 articles and is the inventor of more than 25 international patents. Notably, his groundbreaking research on treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, in collaboration with researchers and clinicians at the University Hospital of Lille France, has earned international patents. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, Dr. Burnouf was listed among the top 0.5% of the world's most influential scientists in Stanford University's Global Top 2% Scientists ranking.
Dr. Burnouf began his academic and professional career in 1984 at France's blood transfusion and plasma fractionation organization, where he served as Head of research and development, Director of production, and Scientific Director. He developed numerous bioprocessing technologies and innovative research projects, achieving patents and leading to the industrial production of new virus-inactivated plasma-derived medicines. As a global authority in plasma fractionation, he has served since 2000 as a consultant to the World Health Organization (WHO), authoring key guidelines such as Production, Quality Control, and Regulation of Plasma Fractionation and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for Blood Establishments, and contributing to efforts to improve the quality and safety of blood products in low- and middle-income countries. He also developed rapid and simplified methods for preparing safe immunoglobulins for treating infectious diseases such as SARS, H1N1 influenza, and Ebola viruses, as well as immunodeficiencies.
When Dr. Burnouf first visited Taiwan in 1995, he recognized the country’s strengths and dynamism in information technology, microelectronics, semiconductors, and precision technologies, as well as its strong potential for development in the biomedical field and industry, with a focus to be put on plasma products. After joining TMU, he officially became a citizen of Taiwan in April 2020. During his time in Taiwan, he has facilitated numerous international academic collaborations, including double-degree programs with the University of Lille (France) and Tokyo University of Science (Japan), as well as the integration of the college of Biochemical Engineering of TMU as the first in Taiwan to be a full partner of an EU-funded Erasmus Mundus International Master Program.
Dr. Burnouf is a visionary and outstanding scholar whose long-term pragmatic dedication to blood research has had a profound impact on global healthcare. At Taipei Medical University, his contributions extend beyond academic research to fostering international collaborations and talent development. His innovative work, conducted with his dedicated students and colleagues at TMU and abroad, continues exploring uncharted medical territories offered by platelet-derived products and addressing emerging healthcare needs at global level, crucial in improving human health and well-being.