On 16 November 2016, the Prince Mahidol Award Foundation under the Royal Patronage (PMAF) held a press conference at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, to announce Prince Mahidol Laureates 2016 in the field of Medicine and Public Health. Mr. Sek Wannamethee, Director-General of the Department of Information, in the capacity of Chair of the PMAF Public Relations Sub-Committee, together with Professor Prasith Wattanapa, Deputy Chairperson of the PMAF, Professor Supat Vanichyakarn, Secretary-General of the PMAF, Professor Vicharn Panich, Chair of the International Awards Committee, Ms. Margaret Tongue, Deputy Head of Mission, the British Embassy, and Ms. Ayesha Rekhi Counsellor ( Political/Economic), the Embassy of Canada, jointly addressed the press.

             This year, the Prince Mahidol Award in the field of Medicine is awarded to Sir Gregory Paul Winter from the United Kingdom. Sir Gregory Paul Winter is one of the world's leading scientists who was a pioneer in the field of antibody engineering and modification technology. He invented techniques to humanize antibodies for therapeutic uses, which later led to the creation of cutting-edge therapeutic drugs. The drugs are now widely used in clinical disease treatment. His current position is the Master of Trinity College, University of Cambridge.

             The Prince Mahidol Award in the field of Public Health is awarded to Professor Vladimir Hachinski from Canada. Professor Hachinski is the world’s leading doctor with specialization in stroke and vascular dementia. He has made major contributions for the fight against these two greatest threats to human brain. His contributions to medicine in the areas of vascular cognitive impairment, stroke, and brain-heart interactions help save and improve million of lives by delaying and/or preventing cerebrovascular disease and cognitive decline.

             Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will preside over the Presentation Ceremony on 31 January 2017 at Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, Bangkok.