Linfa Wang is globally recognised for his contributions to bat viruses and bat biology, and the successful translation of his discoveries into biomedical innovations that have helped combat viral outbreaks, from Hendra virus in Australia to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nicknamed “batman”, Wang has established bats as a new model system for understanding zoonotic viral diseases and for translating knowledge of the unique immune system of bats to better manage human medical disorders. His breakthrough research and biomedical innovations have informed public health policies at national and international levels, and Wang has served on multiple World Health Organisation (WHO) COVID-19 committees.