# Robert Gallo

> American biomedical researcher

**Wikidata**: [Q469904](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q469904)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Gallo)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robert-gallo

## Summary

Robert Gallo was born March 23, 1937, in Waterbury.[1][2][3] He holds United States citizenship.He is a virologist, oncologist, physician, immunologist, biochemist, and infectious disease physician.[4] His education includes Providence College, Thomas Jefferson University, University of Chicago, and Boston College.He has been employed by the National Cancer Institute. His field includes HIV/AIDS, medicine, infectious diseases, and virology.[4] He has received the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research, Princess of Asturias Award for Technical and Scientific Research, Canada Gairdner International Award, Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize, Dickson Prize in Medicine, and Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, plus 2 more.[5][6][7][8]

## Summary
Robert Charles Gallo is an American biomedical researcher renowned for his pivotal role in identifying the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as the cause of AIDS and developing the HIV blood test. A prominent figure in virology and oncology, Gallo's work has significantly advanced the understanding and treatment of infectious diseases and cancer.

## Biography
- **Born**: March 23, 1937, in Waterbury, Connecticut, United States
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: 
  - MD, Jefferson Medical College (1963)
  - Postdoctoral training, University of Chicago (1964–1965)
- **Known for**: Co-discovery of HIV as the cause of AIDS, development of the HIV blood test
- **Employer(s)**: 
  - National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  - University of Maryland School of Medicine
- **Field(s)**: Virology, Oncology, Immunology

## Contributions
- **HIV/AIDS Research**: Gallo's team identified HIV as the virus causing AIDS in 1984, a discovery critical to developing diagnostic tests and therapies.
- **HIV Blood Test**: Developed the first FDA-approved HIV blood test in 1985, enabling widespread screening and prevention of transmission.
- **Oncogenic Viruses**: Conducted pioneering research on human T-lymphotropic viruses (HTLVs), linking them to leukemia and lymphoma.
- **Publications**: Authored numerous seminal papers, including the 1984 *Science* article confirming HIV's role in AIDS.

## FAQs
**Q: What is Robert Gallo best known for?**  
A: Gallo is best known for co-discovering HIV as the cause of AIDS and developing the first HIV blood test, revolutionizing diagnostics and treatment.

**Q: Where has Robert Gallo worked?**  
A: Gallo has been affiliated with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the University of Maryland School of Medicine, among other institutions.

**Q: What awards has Robert Gallo received?**  
A: Gallo has received the Albert Lasker Award, the National Medal of Science, and the Japan Prize, among other honors, for his contributions to medicine and science.

**Q: What controversies surround Robert Gallo?**  
A: Gallo faced disputes over credit for the HIV discovery, particularly with French researchers Luc Montagnier and Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, which were later resolved through mediation.

## Why They Matter
Robert Gallo's work transformed global healthcare by identifying HIV and enabling its detection, directly impacting millions affected by AIDS. His research on oncogenic viruses advanced cancer treatment and prevention, while his development of the HIV blood test remains a cornerstone of public health. Without Gallo's contributions, the timeline for HIV/AIDS management and cancer research would be significantly delayed.

## Notable For
- **HIV/AIDS Breakthrough**: Co-discovery of HIV as the cause of AIDS (1984).
- **First HIV Blood Test**: Developed in 1985, critical for global health efforts.
- **Oncogenic Virus Research**: Identified HTLV-1 as the first human retrovirus linked to cancer.
- **Awards**: Recipient of the Albert Lasker Award, Japan Prize, and National Medal of Science.
- **Leadership**: Founded the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Robert Charles Gallo was born on March 23, 1937, in Waterbury, Connecticut. He earned his MD from Jefferson Medical College in 1963 and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Chicago from 1964 to 1965.

### Career and Research
Gallo's career spans over five decades, primarily at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). His research focuses on retroviruses, particularly their role in cancer and immunodeficiency diseases. Key milestones include:
- **HTLV Discovery**: In 1980, Gallo's team identified HTLV-1, the first human retrovirus, linked to adult T-cell leukemia.
- **HIV/AIDS Work**: In 1984, Gallo confirmed HIV as the causative agent of AIDS, building on earlier work by French researchers. This led to the development of the first HIV blood test in 1985.
- **Global Health Impact**: The HIV test enabled blood screening, reducing transmission risks and saving countless lives.

### Affiliations and Leadership
Gallo has held positions at:
- **National Cancer Institute (NCI)**: Conducted seminal research on retroviruses and cancer.
- **University of Maryland School of Medicine**: Founded the Institute of Human Virology in 1996, focusing on HIV/AIDS and global health.

### Awards and Recognition
Gallo's contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including:
- **Albert Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research** (1986)
- **National Medal of Science** (1991)
- **Japan Prize** (1988)
- **Warren Alpert Foundation Prize** (1998)

### Legacy and Influence
Gallo's work laid the foundation for modern virology and immunology. His discovery of HIV's role in AIDS and the subsequent blood test transformed public health strategies, enabling early diagnosis and treatment. His research on oncogenic viruses continues to influence cancer therapy and prevention, underscoring his enduring impact on biomedical science.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. [1982 Winners. Lasker Foundation](http://www.laskerfoundation.org/awards/1982basic.htm)
5. [Source](http://www.fpa.es/es/premios-princesa-de-asturias/premiados/2000-robert-gallo-y-luc-montagnier.html?especifica=0)
6. [Source](https://laskerfoundation.org/award/clinical/)
7. National Inventors Hall of Fame
8. [Source](https://dandavidprize.org/previous-laureates/?getby=cat&cat=2009)
9. [GM Cancer Previous Prize Winners](http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/philanthropy/cancer_research/prize.htm)
10. [Source](https://warrenalpert.org/prize-recipients/robert-c-gallo)
11. International Standard Name Identifier
12. CiNii Research
13. SNAC
14. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
15. Munzinger Personen
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
18. Enciclopedia Treccani
19. [Source](http://www.nasonline.org/member-directory/living-member-list.html)
20. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File