Professor who discovered HIV speaks

The woman who discovered HIV, Professor Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, will deliver the Burnet Institute Oration ,‘From the discovery of HIV to the end of AIDS: Past achievements and future challenges’ in Melbourne this month.

The French virologist was recogised for her significant achievement with a Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2008.

Burnet Centre for Virology co-head Professor Sharon Lewin said the research trailblazer has made a remarkable impact on the world.

“Françoise’s discovery of HIV has saved millions of lives and she is an amazing role model for all women in science,” Lewin said.

“Her ongoing dedication to the field through her leadership role within the International AIDS Society, her work to support basic research in low-income countries, as well as her advocacy for the need to find a cure for HIV, are truly inspirational.”

Barré-Sinoussi has been involved with retrovirology research since the early 1970s. Since discovering HIV in 1983, she has dedicated her career to HIV research, focusing on the virus’ origins and vaccine research.

Barré-Sinoussi is currently acting director of the Regulation of Retroviral Infections Unit at the Institut Pasteur in Paris.Barré-Sinoussi speaks on Tuesday, October 25 at BMW Edge Theatre, Federation Square, 6.30pm. RSVP by Thursday, October 20.

INFO: To RSVP, call Prue Rees-Lee on 03 9282 2111 or email [email protected]