The NCI has historically supported and conducted research into oncogenic viruses. In fact, retroviral models laid the basis for our understanding of the molecular basis of cancer. At the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, NCI intramural researchers on both the Frederick and Bethesda campuses had expertise in several key areas to rapidly tackle this public health crisis: retrovirology, structural biology, tumor virology, immunology, epidemiology, drug development (nucleosides in particular), and clinical trial methodology for chronic, fatal diseases. This expertise enabled NCI scientists to make a number of important early advances in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS. This productivity continues to the present. In recognition of the contributions of former and current NCI researchers, a 2-day symposium entitled:

HIV/AIDS Research at the National Cancer Institute: a Record of Sustained Excellence

is planned for November 1st and 2nd in the Masur Auditorium on the Bethesda campus. Each session of this symposium will combine a presentation from a prominent NCI alumnus with talks from investigators of the NCI intramural research program. Drs Robert Gallo (Director, Institute of Human Virology), Beatrice Hahn (Professor, University of Alabama-Birmingham) and Anthony Fauci (Director, NIAID) have agreed to present plenary lectures. Invited speakers include Drs. Eric Freed (NCI), George Shaw (University of Alabama-Birmingham), Jeffrey Lifson (NCI), Marjorie Robert-Guroff (NCI), Stephen O'Brien (NCI), William Blattner (Institute of Human Virology), John Coffin (Tufts University), Douglas Lowy (NCI) and Hiroaki Mitsuya (NCI). We hope you will join us to celebrate many of the important achievements and learn of future developments in the continuing effort to combat HIV infection and the devastating consequences of AIDS.

For more information, visit
http://web.ncifcrf.gov/events/hivaidsresearch2007