Robert Gallo

Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, United States of America

Robert Gallo M.D

Academic positions:
- Founder and Director of the Institute of Human Virology (IHV), University of Maryland School of Medicine (1996-present)
- Head of the laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health (1966-1996)

All commercial positions (in last five years):
None declared

Research interests:
Dr Gallo played a key role as co-discoverer of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), helping to determine that this virus caused the fatal condition Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Pursuing research also done by French scientist Luc Montagnier, Dr Gallo helped develop a laboratory test to detect HIV; this test proved essential to diagnose the syndrome and to protect the world's blood supply from the growing threat of HIV contamination. Recognized as a pioneering influence in the field of virology, Dr Gallo's other contributions include discoveries that led to diagnostic and therapeutic advances in cancer and several other viral diseases. These include the identification of a human retrovirus, the only known human leukemia virus - HTLV - one of few known viruses shown to cause a human cancer and human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6), which was later shown to cause an infantile disease known as Roseola and currently is hypothesized as a strong suspect in the origin of multiple sclerosis.

Today, Dr. Gallo's work continues at the IHV, a first-of-its-kind virology center that combines the disciplines of research, patient care and prevention programs in a concerted effort to speed the pace of progress. As director of the institute, Dr Gallo is involved in a broad spectrum of research including basic science, vaccine development and clinical research/trials.

Any other information:
Dr Gallo is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine.

His research has been recognized by numerous international awards, including the Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize, Germany's most distinguished award in scientific research; and the Warren Alpert Foundation Award from Harvard Medical School. Additionally, Dr Gallo is the only scientist to twice receive the Albert Lasker Clinical Medical Research Award, receiving the basic award in 1982 and the clinical award in 1986. He has also been awarded 19 honorary doctorates for his achievements in research.

He has authored more than 1,100 scientific publications and the book "Virus Hunting - AIDS, Cancer & the Human Retrovirus: A Story of Scientific Discovery."

Any competing interests declared are displayed with individual evaluations.

Head of Faculty: Infectious Diseases (since 16 November 2005)

Robert Gallo is a Head of Faculty for the INFECTIOUS DISEASES Faculty. The role of a Head of Faculty is to help divide the Faculty (specialty) into Sections (sub-specialty areas), nominate leaders in those areas as Section Heads, and offer ongoing advice on the strategic direction of the service. They are not asked to evaluate articles, although we do, of course, welcome them.

Links

http://www.ihv.org/about/bios/gallo.html