Thai scientist Direk Limmathurotsakul was awarded the UNESCO-Carlos J. Finlay Prize for Microbiology in Paris for his contributions to the research of infectious diseases. 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. It was a great pleasure to attend the 2026 @UNESCO–Carlos J. Finlay Prize for Microbiology awarded to Dr Direk Limmathurotsakul. 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.