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Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, PhD

Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, PhD

Institut Pasteur
Paris, France

Class of 2013

A renowned scientist who initially investigated retrovirally induced murine cancers, Dr. Barré-Sinoussi was subsequently awarded the 2008 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for leading the investigations resulting in the discovery of the HIV retrovirus. Her notable research centered on defining the mechanisms by which the HIV virus causes AIDS and how HIV and similar retroviruses affect the immune system after infection.

By defining the biological functions elicited by HIV, Dr. Barré-Sinoussi has provided invaluable insight into how retroviruses and viral sequences are capable of influencing the metastatic potential of various cancer cells. Additionally, Dr. Barré-Sinoussi’s findings have been utilized in a variety of vital laboratory techniques valuable in the study of cancer.

Career Highlights

2018 Elected Member, National Academy of Medicine
2012-2014 President, International AIDS Society
2009 Commander of the Legion of Honor (France)
2009 Elected Member, French Academy of Sciences
2008 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
2008 Honorary Doctor of Medicine, Tulane University
2002 Officer of the Order of Merit (France)
2001 Emeritus Award, International AIDS Society
1993 Medicine and Research Prize, Institute of Health Sciences, Paris
1993 King Faisal International Prize for Medicine
1988 Award of the French Academy of Medicine
1986 Förderpreis die Europaische Wissenschaft (Körber Prize)
1985 Sovac Prize for the Viral Oncology Unit, Institut Pasteur
1985 Galien Prize for the Viral Oncology Unit, Institut Pasteur
1999-2001 President, HIV Vaccine Program, National Agency for AIDS Research
1975 PhD, Institut Pasteur and University of the Sciences, Paris