Geneva, Switzerland - The International AIDS Society (IAS) has congratulated Françoise Barré-Sinoussi on being awarded the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for 2008 for her role in the discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus.

She has also contributed significantly to HIV/AIDS research. Barré-Sinoussi shares the Nobel with Luc Montagnier, also recognised for the discovery of HIV, and Harald zur Hausen, recognised for his discovery of the human papilloma viruses that cause cervical cancer.

The IAS president, Julio Montaner, and executive director, Craig McClure, praised Barré-Sinoussi: "Françoise is deeply committed to and passionate about the fight against HIV. Her work in the laboratory that led to the discovery of the virus has obviously changed the course of medical history and is an outstanding contribution to science.

"Her career as a basic scientist is matched by her compassion and kindness towards people living with and affected by HIV throughout the world."

Barré-Sinoussi, PhD, acting director of the Regulation of Retroviral Infections Unit at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, is a member of the IAS governing council - the executive body of the IAS - and one of five regional IAS representatives for Europe.

As author and co-author of more than 200 original publications and winner of 10 national and international awards, Barré-Sinoussi has also been strongly implicated in promoting integration between HIV/AIDS research and actions, especially in resource-limited countries.

"The IAS is honoured to have Dr Barré-Sinoussi serving on our governing council and is proud to be associated with scientists and clinicians who are world leaders in HIV research, treatment and prevention," said McClure.

The society is the world's leading independent association of HIV professionals, with more than 10 000 members from 180 countries. It is a non-profit organisation founded in 1988 that acts as an independent voice in the global response to AIDS on behalf of its members.

It is the custodian of the International AIDS Conferences, the paramount gathering of all disciplines in HIV/AIDS, held every two years, and organises the IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention.