Prof. Quarraisha Abdool Karim, President of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Associate Scientific Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA). She is a pioneering infectious diseases epidemiologist, renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to global health, Prof. Quarraisha Abdool Karim stands as a trailblazing South African infectious diseases epidemiologist. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, she has indelibly shaped the landscape of HIV prevention, particularly focusing on advancing prevention technologies for women. Prof. Abdool Karim holds key leadership roles, including co-chairing the PEPFAR Scientific Advisory Board and serving as Deputy Chair of the WHO Human Reproductive Programme Alliance Advisory Board. Her pioneering research has revolutionized HIV prevention strategies worldwide, with a notable achievement being the demonstration of the preventive efficacy of Antiretroviral Therapy (ARVs) against sexually transmitted HIV, laying the foundation for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

In addition to her significant contributions to HIV prevention, Prof. Abdool Karim's work has provided invaluable insights into the intersection of HIV and COVID-19, including the evaluation of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics. She is the co-founder and Associate Scientific Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) and holds positions at Columbia University and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Prof. Abdool Karim's exceptional achievements have garnered international acclaim, with prestigious accolades such as the Order of Mapungubwe, the TWAS-Lenovo Prize, the John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award, and the Christophe Mérieux Prize from the French Academies of Sciences. Her commitment to advancing women's health has been honoured with the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science award and the African Union Kwame Nkrumah Award. She is a distinguished member of various esteemed academies and organizations, including the National Academy of Medicine (USA) and The World Academy of Sciences.