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From avian influenza to mpox and hantavirus, Dr Janin Nouhin is part of a team of scientists at the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge working to detect and monitor viruses that may pose a threat to public health.
We spoke with Dr Janin Nouhin, Deputy Head of the Virology Unit, about his journey into science and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into tracking and studying viruses in Cambodia.
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Dr Janin Nouhin and colleagues demonstrate genome sequencing activities at the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge. Genome sequencing is a laboratory process used to read the genetic information of a virus. This helps scientists identify genetic changes and track how viruses evolve over time. © WHO / Puthealin Sok
A college student’s dream
“When I was in college, I used to wonder why there were no Cambodian scientists’ names in well-known scholarly journals. I asked myself what I could do to contribute. But of course, that was just a dream of a college kid,” recalls Dr Nouhin.
Dr Nouhin shared that life science was not originally part of his plan – it was engineering. But when he joined an exchange programme in France, biology piqued his interest. He then decided to pursue his master and PhD’s degree in the field of biology and immunology.
Now, 24 years later, with a postdoctoral fellowship from Stanford University and an extensive research portfolio, he has achieved what he set out to do.
Today, Dr Nouhin and his team at the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge play a key role in virus research and provide critical laboratory diagnostics capacity to support Cambodia’s ability to detect, assess and respond to emerging health threats.
Inside the world of virus surveillance
The Institut Pasteur du Cambodge was designated by the Ministry of Health and recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the National Influenza Centre in Cambodia. Since 2013, the institute has also become WHO H5 Regional Reference Laboratory for avian influenza. In 2024, it joined the WHO Coronavirus Network (CoViNet), an expansion of the WHO COVID-19 reference laboratory network set up in the early days of the pandemic.
Effective public health action starts long before an outbreak becomes visible. At the centre of these efforts is early detection and monitoring of potential threats at the human-animal-environment interface, grounded in a One Health approach.
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Scientists wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) inject fertilized chicken eggs with samples, providing an environment where viruses can grow and allowing researchers to study their characteristics. © WHO / Puthealin Sok
Each year, researchers from the institute collect roughly 7 000 to 8 000 samples from chickens and ducks in live poultry markets in Cambodia to monitor avian influenza virus circulation.
In the laboratory, scientists also perform virus isolation – a process of recovering and growing a virus from a sample using living cells so it can be studied further. Researchers use methods such as inoculating fertilized chicken eggs under controlled conditions to study viral characteristics and better support influenza surveillance.
“In suspected human cases of avian influenza, the National Institute of Public Health laboratory is responsible for the initial detection and reporting of cases. Once a positive result has been communicated to us, our team remains alert. It doesn’t matter whether it’s 8pm or 9pm. As soon as we receive the notification, we begin our process,” explains Dr Nouhin.
“First, we confirm whether the sample is positive and immediately share the results with the Ministry of Health, National Institute of Public Health, the national laboratory, and the National Animal Health and Production Research Institute. At the same time, we investigate the virus further. Using genomic sequencing and bioinformatics analyses, we examine its characteristics in detail: What is its genetic makeup? Is it a new or existing strain? Has it mutated?”
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A laboratory technician carries out genome sequencing of dengue virus. © WHO / Puthealin Sok
Dr Nouhin emphasizes that genome sequencing allows not only to identify the virus, but also to trace its origin and understanding how it moves through populations. By comparing genetic data across samples, scientists can link cases together and detect patterns of transmission that complement conventional epidemiological surveillance.
“All this information is crucial,” he says. “Based on our finding, public health professionals can then take evidence-guided decisions and effective response actions.”
“When we identify the virus and understand how it is evolving, it helps us determine how to respond. This could include developing testing kits for diagnosis or helping doctors and health workers understand how to treat patients. This is just one of many ways virologists contribute to public health,” he adds.
A message to scientists in the making
Dr Nouhin understands all too well the hesitation and imposter syndrome that may come with being a young scientist, especially for those coming from developing countries.
“Normally, when we grow up in a country with limited resources, we tend to lack confidence compared to those with more. So, if I could send a message to the next generation of scientists, I’d encourage them to be confident. Believe in themselves. Believe in their achievements. Believe in their findings,” he says.
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Dr Janin Nouhin and a colleague review genome sequencing run displayed on a computer screen. © WHO / Puthealin Sok
He emphasized that the role everyone plays in science matters and that it is never about one person’s achievement.
“Because your contribution is as important as everyone else’s. And when you make a discovery, it’s not only for your country or yourself but for humanity,” concludes Dr Nouhin.
WHO Collaboration with Institut Pasteur du Cambodge
The Institut Pasteur du Cambodge is a long-standing partner of WHO in strengthening Cambodia’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to infectious diseases. The Virology Unit hosts three reference laboratories recognized by the Ministry of Health and WHO:
• National Influenza Centre (2007)
• WHO H5 Regional Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza (2013)
• WHO Coronavirus Network (CoViNet) Reference Laboratory (2024)
From pathogen detection and genomic sequencing to outbreak investigations and joint risk assessments, the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge routinely collaborates with WHO to support evidence-based public health action and strengthen Cambodia’s preparedness and response to health emergencies while nurturing the next generation of researchers.
Scientists like Dr Janin Nouhin and many Cambodian researchers are part of this ongoing effort, ensuring that discoveries made today can help safeguard lives tomorrow.