Professor Sharon Lewin awarded Honorary Doctorate from La Trobe University

In a celebration of scientific excellence, La Trobe University recently awarded the honorary Doctor of Science to University of Melbourne Laureate Professor Sharon Lewin AO, Director of the Doherty Institute, in recognition of her lasting impact on global health and medical research.

The prestigious honour acknowledges Professor Lewin's outstanding contributions to infectious diseases research, including her pivotal role in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, her leadership in the field of HIV and her significant accomplishments in scientific collaboration.

In early 2020, Professor Lewin and her team at the Doherty Institute successfully isolated the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a milestone that accelerated the development of COVID-19 diagnostics and therapies. She also co-chaired Australia's National COVID Health and Research Advisory Committee.

Beyond her work on COVID-19, Professor Lewin is an internationally renowned expert in HIV research and currently serves as the President of the International AIDS Society. Her pioneering efforts aim to eliminate HIV latency, a persistent challenge in HIV treatment.

Professor Lewin, upon receiving the honorary degree, expressed her gratitude and emphasised the indispensable role of science and international collaboration in addressing pressing global health challenges. This recognition not only honours her career achievements but also underscores the vital role of collaborative scientific endeavours in advancing medical research and addressing critical health crises.