A charity set up in memory of internationally respected HIV expert and BSMS Chair of HIV Medicine, Prof Martin Fisher officially launched earlier this month.
On 14 September, the Martin Fisher Foundation held its first one-day lecture series, "Towards ZERO", to coincide with the charity's official launch at the Brighton Dome. Experts from across the UK and abroad were invited to take part in the day's events, which included a programme of lectures from internationally renowned HIV researchers followed by tributes and a memorial dedicated to the late professor.
Prof Fisher died unexpectedly in April this year at the age of 50. Following his death his partner, Adrian Brown and family set up the Martin Fisher Foundation with the aim of celebrating and continuing the legacy of his work in HIV research. The charity will focus its work on the development of new strategies for effective treatment and prevention of HIV. It also has a long-term goal of reducing the transmission rate of the virus down to zero.
Speaking on behalf of BSMS, Dean of the School, Prof Malcolm Reed said, "I am delighted that the Martin Fisher Foundation has been established to continue Martin's vital work in reducing HIV infection and transmission. We, at the Medical School, are committed to working in partnership with the Foundation and fully support its aim to keep Brighton at the forefront of reducing the impact of this disease."
Throughout his internationally recognised career, Prof Fisher played an important role in the development and implementation of HIV research. He was the founding convenor of the national Diploma in HIV Medicine and served as an executive committee member in the British HIV Association. While working as a Consultant Physician, he was also instrumental in setting up the specialist HIV unit in the Brighton and Sussex University Trust and, as Chair of HIV Medicine at BSMS, was quick to develop HIV-related research at the Medical School and local hospitals.
Read more about the Martin Fisher Foundation >