• Submitted by: manso
• Society
• 05 / 07 / 2011

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Cuba cries death of professor Gustavo Kouri. Photo: articulos.sld.cu Cuban scientist Gustavo Kouri, who carried out an excellent work for over three decades as director of Havana’s Pedro Kouri Tropical Medicine Institute (IPK), died unexpectedly on Thursday afternoon in this capital at 75 years of age: He will be indelibly etched in Cubans’ memory, due to his dedication, his teaching to generations of professionals, and his valuable contributions to science.

A report aired by the National Television Newscast pointed out that his greatest pride – he recently highlighted it during a meeting in which his workers paid tribute to him- was to accomplish the task entrusted to him by Fidel Castro: to take the institution he directed to the highest international level.

Kouri was an eminent student during his high school studies at the La Salle School; he graduated as Medical Doctor from the University of Havana and he was also a Doctor of Biological Sciences. Likewise, he obtained other scientific and teaching degrees.

He was deputy director for research of Havana’s National Center for Scientific Research (CNIC) since 1968 and held various important posts in the sphere of public health and linked to scientific research.

Kouri is the author of over 200 publications and two books, being the dengue disease the center of his work and research.

He received prizes and social and scientific acknowledgements and medals, among them those of Labor Hero of the Republic of Cuba, conferred by the Council of State, and the Carlos J. Finlay Order, as well as other Cuban and foreign awards.

Dr. Kouri was buried on Friday morning at Havana’s Colon Cemetery.

Source: www.radioangulo.cu/en/news/cuba/10338-noted-cuban-scientist-dies-in-hava...