IAS Congratulates Nobel Prize Winner In Medicine

IAS Congratulates Dr Françoise Barre-Sinoussi For Nobel Prize Award

6 October 2008 (Geneva, Switzerland)

The International AIDS Society (IAS) today extends its congratulations to Françoise Barré-Sinoussi on a remarkable achievement as she is jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for 2008, and recognized for her role in the discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus, and also for her significant contribution to HIV/AIDS research.

IAS President Julio Montaner and IAS Executive Director Craig McClure jointly showered praise on Professor Barré-Sinoussi: “Françoise is deeply committed and passionate about the fight against HIV. Her work in the laboratory that led to the discovery of the virus has obviously changed the course of medical history and is an outstanding contribution to science. Her career as a basic scientist is matched by her compassion and kindness towards people living with and affected by HIV throughout the world.”

Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, PhD, Acting Director of the "Regulation of Retroviral Infections" Unit, at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, is a member of the IAS Governing Council (GC) – the executive body of the IAS - and one of five regional IAS representatives for Europe.

As author and co-author of more than 200 original publications and winner of 10 national or international awards, Dr. Barré-Sinoussi has also been strongly implicated in promoting integration between HIV/AIDS research and actions, especially in resource limited countries.

“The IAS is honoured to have Dr. Barré-Sinoussi serving on our Governing Council and is proud to be associated with scientists and clinicians who are world leaders in HIV research, treatment and prevention”, said Mr. McClure.

The IAS is the world's leading independent association of HIV professionals, with more than 10,000 members from 180 countries. The IAS is a non-profit organization founded in 1988, and acts as an independent voice in the global response to AIDS on behalf of its members. The Society is the custodian of the International AIDS Conferences, the paramount gathering of all disciplines in HIV/AIDS, held every two years, and organizes the IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention.

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