International Society for antiviral research

It is hard to believe that our society is more than 30 years old. During all these years, ICAR and its members have greatly contributed to the advancement of antiviral research and development, as it has been showcased in the annual ICAR meetings. Many scientists who designed, developed or carried out the clinical trials with many of the approved antivirals have played major roles in our society. Fortunately, the history of our society has been documented every ten years since it was founded in 1987.  Anthony Vere Hodge, used  the  first- and second-decade’s booklets as a guide to compile the third decade booklet. 

In his third decade booklet, Anthony documents the exciting science presented during the last 10 ICAR meetings. He also included two major reports by former presidents of ISAR. John (Jack) Secrist described the recipients of the annual Gertrude B. Elion memorial, William Prusoff Young Investigator, and Antonín Holý Memorial awards, together with the first ISAR Women in Science award, a Special Award of Thanks, and one ISAR Service to the Society Award. John Drach recapitulates the different antiviral drugs approved by the FDA during these years and summarizes the major advances on development of drugs against HIV, hepatitis B and C, influenza, human papilloma, herpes and emerging viruses. Another past president, Erik De Clercq, shares his memories of the earliest days of antiviral research. 

The booklet also includes, sadly, three memorials to members of our society, Bill Prusoff, Tony Holý and Chris McGuigan, who all contributed enormously to the discovery of novel antivirals.

Anthony also expresses his personal view on the already started ICAR‘s 4^th decade, including science, communication, finances, and personal connections and friendships. Please join me in thanking Anthony for his outstanding efforts in documenting the history of our society and enjoy reading  “The International Society for Antiviral Research: The Third Decade.” 

26 June 2019