Hoffmann’s was recognised for his 1990’s research into fruit flies’ immune systems that could potentially advance research into the treatment of arthritis, diabetes and multiple sclerosis in humans.

The Echternach-born biologist received his doctorate from the University of Strasbourg, where he led a research laboratory from 1974 to 2009. Today a naturalised citizen of France, he was president of the French National Academy of Sciences in 2007-2008 and is also a member of the national academies of sciences in Germany, Russia and the United States.

Hoffmann shares half the ten million Swedish krona (approximately €1.1 million) prize with Professor Bruce Beutler of Scripps Research Institute in Southern California, who also was cited for his immune system research.

The other half was awarded to Professor Ralph Steinman, a Candian biologist at Rockefeller University in New York, who died shortly before the Nobel committee announced its selection.