Professor Sharon Lewin is the Director of the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, a joint venture between the University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital; Director of the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics; and Melbourne Laureate Professor at The University of Melbourne. Sharon is an infectious diseases physician and basic scientist. She completed her medical degree in 1986 and PhD in virology in 1997. Her research focuses on understanding why HIV persists on treatment and developing clinical trials aimed at ultimately finding a cure for HIV infection. Sharon is recognised as a leading global expert in HIV science. She has received numerous awards, including being appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in recognition of her distinguished service to medical research, and to education and clinical care, in the field of infectious diseases, particularly HIV and AIDS.