The late Scientia Professor David Cooper AC, inaugural director of the Kirby Institute, has been commemorated in a biographical memoir published in Historical Records of Australian Science.
Professor Cooper was among the first responders when the HIV epidemic reached Australia in the early 1980s and, together with his colleagues at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, diagnosed the first cases of HIV here. Determined to learn how the virus behaved and ultimately find a treatment and cure, he initiated ground-breaking, collaborative infectious disease research that has saved countless lives in Australia, and throughout the world.
One of Australia’s most distinguished academic leaders, he passed away in March 2018 after a short illness.
“His work was nowhere near complete”
The memoir was co-authored by Scientia Professor and director of the Kirby Institute, Anthony Kelleher, Professor Suzanne Crowe from Burnet Institute and Monash University, and Professor Tony Cunningham from Westmead Institute for Medical Research and The University of Sydney.
“David was a dear friend and a much-loved colleague who made a tremendous contribution to clinical and academic research, and the lives of his patients and his loved ones,” says Professor Kelleher. “He achieved a great deal in his lifetime, establishing Australia’s ongoing global leadership in the fight against the global HIV epidemic and contributing to the development of virtually every drug used in HIV treatment today. But his work was nowhere near complete when he tragically passed away.
“It was an honour to contribute to his biographical memoir and to be able to share the monumental impact David had before his passing, and which continues to this day. I encourage everyone to read it and acknowledge his influential, if too short, life and wealth of achievements.
“The Kirby Institute is his legacy, which we continue with pride.”
Historical Records of Australian Science is published bi-annually by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of the Australian Academy of Science. As well as articles on the history of science, the journal publishes memoirs of academics who have passed away, providing an opportunity to remember and highlight their outstanding personal and professional achievements.