The man who discovered the HIV virus inspired students at the University of Calgary yesterday.
French virologist and 2008 Nobel Prize winner Luc Montagnier presented a lecture describing how he first made the discovery in 1983.
Montagnier told students he would like to see more resources put into finding a cure for AIDS. He’s concerned that a lot of money has been spent for nothing, due to vaccine research that was headed in the wrong direction.
“Any vaccine based on antibodies will actually infect,” Montagnier said. “They should have known this.”
Research associate Vincent Pialoux moved here from France two years ago, and was impressed to see a French doctor travel to Calgary to share his words of wisdom.
“I was surprised to hear that he was coming,” said Pialoux. “It’s of such great importance to hear men like this for the University of Calgary students and faculty.”
PhD student Vincent Marty said he wants to follow in the footsteps of Montagnier.
