Sharon Lewin is recognised globally for her leadership in infectious disease, basic virology and the search for a cure for HIV. Her seminal research established laboratory models to study HIV latency, developed novel assays to quantify the viral reservoir, and identified interventions to reverse HIV latency in patients. Her work has had a major impact on our fundamental understanding of HIV and its clinical management. As Director of the Doherty Institute, she has been a leader in Australia’s response to the Covid 19 pandemic and its public communication.