A hero of the pandemic

During Covid-19, physician scientist Melvin Sanicas became a source of vital health information for thousands in the Philippines and around the world. He was named a global finalist in the Study UK Alumni Awards in recognition of his work.

“I learnt about the flu pandemic of 1918 when I was at school,” said Melvin Sanicas (PGCert Patient Safety and Clinical Risk Management 2010). “Ever since, I had it in my mind that something would happen in 2018 because history teaches us that pandemics happen every 100 years or so.  

“Nothing happened, but Covid-19 wasn’t long after.” 

Melvin is a physician scientist specialising in vaccinology, infectious diseases and global health. Over his career, he has worked between scientific research and clinical practice to deliver vaccines around the globe.  

During Covid-19, after growing frustrated by the misinformation circling on the web, he broadcast accurate advice and information to the public. His work saw him listed as one of the Filipino Heroes of the pandemic, and he was given The Outstanding Young Men award for science and medicine. The British Council Study UK Alumni Awards nomination followed. 

“There were doctors and physicians sharing exaggerated messages and theories about the pandemic,” he said. “You get more attention that way but it’s dangerous, and it motivated me to provide accurate information to people.” 

Posting onTwitter (now known as X), Melvin gained a reputation for sharing simple and understandable explanations. His follower numbers grew, and organisations – and even governments – began to share his posts. He fielded calls and Zoom meetings, using his expertise to guide and advise. “I helped explain why it was important to have the vaccine. I explained that there will always be benefits and risks in vaccines. You have to look at which outweighs the other, and that depends on the individual – it’s a very personal thing. The decisions we make affect other people too.” 

In August 2022, the Senate of the Philippines paid tribute to Melvin for being an internationally-recognized Covid-19 expert, and for his tireless work in scientific communication, advancing the field of vaccinology, and making significant contributions to global public health. 

“I never did it for accolades,” Melvin said. “It’s just what I’ve always done. For the last ten years, I have worked between scientific research and clinical practice in translational medicine, which means bringing vaccines to the market.” 

Melvin has travelled the world to study and work – moving from Manila to Siena, Singapore, Leicester, London and Zurich. His Leeds studies took place online. “The course taught me a lot about managing risks, drug safety and reporting. I started to really think about systems in place in region of Asia-Pacific.” 

Amongst his achievements, Melvin helped to implement a two-dose  Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination schedule and a school-based vaccination program to protect girls from cervical cancer in Southeast Asia. He launched the Collaboration for Tuberculosis Vaccine Discovery, a global network to develop new TB vaccines. 

He played a key part in the delivery of the quadrivalent influenza vaccines, and as a TED educator his lessons on infectious diseases have been translated into over 25 different languages and viewed over 10 million times worldwide. 

But it was his work on social media during Covid-19 that truly thrust Melvin into the public eye. “I had lots of messages from young people saying that I was inspiring them to do science, which then inspires me to do it more. 

“I’ve been able to have a tangible impact on health around the world, and that makes me very proud.”  

 Update January 2025: In a special ceremony at Malacañang Palace in Manila, Melvin received the Pamana ng Pilipino Presidential Award, conferred by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. This prestigious recognition honors Filipinos abroad who bring pride to the nation through outstanding achievements and excellence in their fields.

Update August 2026: Melvin was named a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, one of the highest honours in the field which recognises outstanding leadership in infectious disease.

Could you be the next winner from Leeds?

The British Council Study UK Alumni Awards celebrate the achievements of alumni who are living outside the UK.

The Awards showcase the outstanding global impact of individuals across four award categories: Science and Sustainability, Culture, Creativity and Sport, Social Action and Business and Innovation.

Prepare to share your achievements and gain recognition on the world stage in the 2026-27 Study UK Alumni Awards - applications will be open from 1 September to 15 October 2026.

Read about how to make your application stand out and sign up for the next call for applications.

In the meantime, meet the 2025-26 inspirational winners and finalists from the University of Leeds and discover the impact they are having around the world.