The Union regrets to announce that Professor Stephen David Lawn, a leading specialist in HIV and tuberculosis (TB), and recipient of the Union Scientific Prize in 2006, died from a cerebral tumour on 23 September, 2016, at the age of 50.
Professor Lawn made major contributions to the diagnosis and treatment of TB among populations affected by HIV/AIDS and to reducing the burden of HIV-associated TB. His pioneering work contributed to WHO guidelines and resulted in over 250 publications, including many influential papers, particularly on rapid diagnostic screening for TB.
He was a professor of infectious diseases and tropical medicine at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and also an honorary associate professor of infectious diseases and HIV medicine at the University of Cape Town.
He leaves a lasting legacy of work and research that has helped alleviate suffering and saved many lives and will continue to do so.
A thanksgiving service was held in his honour on Friday 7 October at St. Stephen’s Church, East Twickenham, London, at which a number of addresses were given to the large congregation.
At this service The Union’s Senior Advisor and Director of the Department of Research, Professor Anthony Harries, spoke about Professor Lawn’s scientific life under the title “Scientific safaris on tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS”.
Please click here to read this short address (PDF 256KB) and to see details of the Stephen Lawn Memorial Fund for TB and AIDS Research Leadership.