Join us for the 29th Annual Jonathan Lax Memorial Lecture at The Wistar Institute, honoring Richard Jefferys, a changemaker and activist who has expanded access to new drugs, clinical trials, and HIV research funding. Jefferys, director of the Treatment Action Group's Basic Science, Vaccines, and Cure Project, will deliver a talk titled 'Community Advocacy and HIV Cure-Directed Research' on November 17th at 6:30 pm EST. The event is open to the public virtually via an online live stream.
This year, Wistar Legacy Awards will be presented to Philadelphians Jay Kostman, M.D., and Robb Reichard, recognizing their community advocacy and leadership. Dr. Kostman, Philadelphia FIGHT's chief medical officer, will be honored for his 25+ years of contributions to Wistar's HIV research program, while Robb Reichard will receive an award for his enduring leadership of the AIDS Fund, a nonprofit supporting vulnerable individuals living with AIDS in the Philadelphia community.
Richard Jefferys has been a key figure in health justice since the mid-90s, campaigning and organizing for access to medicines, clinical trials, and services for people living with HIV/AIDS. His career began at the AIDS Treatment Data Network in New York City, an organization dedicated to improving HIV care and providing accessible information on treatment and clinical trials. In 1999, he played a pivotal role in the founding of the Health GAP Coalition, advocating for global access to medicines for HIV-positive individuals worldwide, especially in the global south.
Jefferys' talk will cover his 30+ years of work in expanding funding for HIV/AIDS treatment and scientific research, raising awareness about clinical trials, and developing less toxic and affordable drugs, therapies, and a cure for HIV. He reflects on the legacy of the late Jonathan Lax, a pioneering activist from the 80s who fought against fear, stigma, and isolation faced by those living with HIV/AIDS. Jefferys' work is inspired by grassroots movements like street activism and public rallies, including those led by ACT-UP Philadelphia.
'There's still much more to do,' Jefferys emphasizes, advocating for more innovative research towards a cure, improved health services, and increased access to treatments, both in the U.S. and globally. Luis J. Montaner, D.V.M., D.Phil., Wistar's EVP and director of the HIV Cure and Viral Diseases Center, praises Jefferys' tireless advocacy and commitment to sharing cutting-edge science with the community, which will lead to new discoveries and important clinical trials for HIV cure.
The Wistar Institute and Philadelphia FIGHT established the Jonathan Lax Memorial Award Lecture to honor Mr. Lax's legacy by bringing distinguished speakers to a lay audience. Past speakers have included Nobel laureates Drew Weissman, M.D., Ph.D., and Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, Ph.D., as well as Mike McCune, M.D., Ph.D., and Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. The 2025 lecture is free and open to a global audience. Register here to attend: [Registration Link].
