HIV expert appointed head of new research institute
WORLD-renowned HIV and AIDS researcher Professor Sharon Lewin has been appointed director of the Doherty Institute, the University of Melbourne’s new research centre looking at infectious diseases and immunity.
Lewin will step down as co-head of the Burnet Institute’s Centre for Biomedical Research, taking up the inaugural position in September following the AIDS 2014 international conference held in Melbourne in July, which she is co-chairing.
鈥淲hilst I will very much miss working with so many wonderful colleagues at Burnet, I know the great work will continue here and I am looking forward to this exciting, new challenge,鈥� Lewin said.
Government and community organisations have congratulated Lewin on her appointment, with Victorian Health Minister David Davis highlighting Lewin’s important work around the AIDS 2014 conference.
鈥淭his six-day conference is expected to attract more than 14,000 people and 2000 journalists and will represent the largest-ever health and development event in Victorian history,鈥� Davis said.
鈥淲e are fortunate that we have the expertise of Prof Sharon Lewin to co-chair this important conference and showcase what Victoria is doing in research and treatment in the fight against HIV.鈥�
The Victorian AIDS Council/Gay Men’s Health Centre (VAC/GMHC) praised Lewin’s ongoing work in the HIV and AIDS sector, saying the appointment also represented a step towards finding a cure for HIV.
鈥淪haron鈥檚 contribution to the sector has been immense; she has combined the steady, measured intelligence required of a clinical researcher coupled with humanity, humility and a generosity of spirit. We wish her every success in her new appointment,鈥� said VAC/GMHC president Greg Carter.
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