Queen Mary research takes top prize

Professor Áine McKnight

Professor Áine McKnight and her team beat more than 18,000 others to take first place at BioMed Central’s 6^th Annual Research Awards at the Emirates Stadium in London.

The winning study investigated which human genes play a role in the body’s ability to fight HIV by stopping the virus from multiplying. By understanding how our own cells are able to fight the virus, the researchers hope to discover new ways to treat the infection.

McKnight, Professor of Viral Pathology, collaborated with Dr Cleo Bishop and Professor David Beech at Barts and The London Medical School, Queen Mary, University of London.

Professor McKnight said: “I was so proud to accept the prize on behalf of my team who work so hard. Receiving this prize has really boosted the team morale. 

“Studies like these are a major undertaking and they are only possible when groups of researchers can work together and share ideas.”