Longtime HIV leader and researcher David Cooper passes away
Image: David Cooper. Image: Supplied.
Scientia Professor David Cooper, founding director of the University of New South Wales Kirby Institute, has passed away.
The Kirby Institute yesterday that Cooper had passed following a brief illness.
鈥淒avid鈥檚 life was dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of HIV and other infectious diseases,鈥� they said in a statement.
鈥淭hese diseases disproportionately affect the world鈥檚 most disadvantaged communities, and David firmly advocated health as a fundamental human right in all of his endeavours.鈥�
Cooper was an early researcher of HIV/AIDS in the 1980s, and regarded as an international leader in the fight against the virus.
Former High Court judge Michael Kirby, for whom the institute was named, remembered Cooper as a close friend and as a scientist.
鈥淒avid鈥檚 special gift was having both a huge intellect and a huge heart,鈥� said Kirby.
鈥淚t was his intellect that made him a leader in the global response to the AIDS epidemic and led to the building of the Kirby Institute.
鈥淏ut it was his great heart that all who knew him, his family, his colleagues and his patients, could witness every day. He was first a clinician, and that made him a great scientist.
鈥淲e will miss him terribly and be all too aware of his absence.鈥�
The Kirby Institute has vowed to 鈥渃arry on his work with immense dedication, honour and pride鈥�.
Colleagues and friends have used social media to pay their respects to Cooper.
鈥淲ithout doubt an enormous loss to us all and yet another giant in our sector gone too soon,鈥� tweeted the Australian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine.
鈥淗is work had immense impact around the world. He was a wholly supportive colleague and a truly humane and ethical person,鈥� posted Carla Treloar of the University of New South Wales.
The Kirby Institute is collecting messages, stories, memories and photos about Cooper鈥檚 life.
Contributions can be emailed to Luci Bamford.
With great sadness, we announce the passing of our founding Director, Scientia Professor David Cooper AO yesterday, 18/03/2018, after a short illness. A world renowned leader in & infectious disease research, a dedicated clinician, mentor and friend.
— Kirby Institute, UNSW (@KirbyInstitute)
All at send their deepest condolences to David鈥檚 family, friends and colleagues. His work had immense impact around the world. He was a wholly supportive colleague and a truly humane and ethical person.
— Carla Treloar (@carlatreloar)
So sad to hear this- a true pioneer and leader. Will be sorely missed by all, but his legacy will live on. Condolences to all , and most importantly his family and friends who have been blessed to have David in their lives
— Vlado Perkovic (@VladoPerkovic)
We at send our deepest heartfelt condolences to David鈥檚 family, friends and colleagues during this saddening time of loss. Without doubt an enormous loss to us all + yet another giant in our sector gone too soon.
— ASHM (@ASHMMedia)
https://twitter.com/meganally99/status/975841573333172224
