Françoise Barré-Sinoussi is a French virologist renowned for her work on HIV/AIDS. She was co-winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2008 with Luc Montagnier for the discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This discovery, made in 1983 at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, played a crucial role in understanding the disease and developing screening tests.
She has dedicated her career to HIV/AIDS research, working on both virological and immunological aspects, as well as strategies to eradicate the virus or control its long-term impact. In addition to her research work, Françoise Barré-Sinoussi has been very involved in the global fight against AIDS, actively participating in international prevention and treatment initiatives, particularly in Africa.
Françoise Barré-Sinoussi also played a mentoring role for many young researchers and was involved in associations to promote ethics in science and solidarity in the fight against infectious diseases. She has become an influential figure in the international scientific community, as a researcher, speaker, and activist for access to care.
We owe its presence to the holding in Siem Reap, on October 10 and 11, 2024, of a new edition of the Scientific Days of the ANRS MIE partner site.
This biennial event brings together researchers, clinicians and representatives of international institutions starting today to share recent advances in infectious disease research, discuss future priorities and strengthen collaborations in the fight against local health challenges and regional (ANRS).
During a reception at the embassy on Tuesday evening, to celebrate his arrival and the opening of the ANRS MIE 2024 Scientific Days in Siem Reap, Ambassador Jacques Pellet declared:
“We have the immense privilege of welcoming Professor Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, Nobel Prize winner in Medicine. His pioneering work on HIV and his unwavering commitment to research in Southeast Asia, particularly Cambodia and Vietnam, are a true inspiration to us all. »
He also wanted to highlight the essential contribution of Professor Saphonn Vonthanak, Rector of the University of Health Sciences, and Doctor Bruno Spire, both coordinators of the ANRS MIE partner site in Cambodia in the fight against infectious diseases.
« Their collaboration, supported by the continued commitment of the ANRS MIE under the direction of Professor Yazdanpanah, has made it possible to strengthen research capacities in Cambodia and to set up numerous scientific projects. The results obtained have led to significant and direct advances in patient care, in response to the public health priorities defined by Cambodia. »
Françoise Barré-Sinoussi expressed her emotion at finding herself once again in Cambodia. It is a country which has particular importance for her since she came there for the first time in 1995 for an exploratory mission which was to identify the needs and expectations of Cambodians and establish a partnership on HIV/AIDS.
It was in the premises of the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge that she learned on the evening of October 8, 1983 that the Nobel Prize in Medicine had been awarded to her with Professor Luc Montagnier.
« Beyond receiving the Nobel Prize, what struck me the most in Cambodia was seeing Cambodian colleagues or patients living with HIV here come to me with bouquets of flowers, some in tears , tears of joy. It was at that moment that I realized that with this award, I took on the responsibility of carrying their voice in the fight against HIV. »
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