Fabian Leendertz's major achievements include the discovery of a new type of anthrax pathogen (Bacillus cereus bv anthracis) and the first description of leprosy in wild apes. In addition, he led the investigation into the point of origin of the West African Ebola outbreak in 2014 and is a member of the WHO expert group investigating the origin of SARS-CoV-2. In recognition of his commitment to implementing One Health Approaches, he was awarded the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Champion of the Earth Award in 2020. He also serves on several advisory boards, including the Scientific Advisory Board of the National Zoonoses Research Platform, the Advisory Board of the One Health Initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Cooperation and Development, and the Scientific Commission of UNEP's Great Apes Survival Partnership.