WILLIAM PRUSOFF YOUNG INVESTIGATOR AWARD

Lara Herrero, MPH, MD, PhD

Professor Herrero is a physician-scientist and internationally recognised virologist whose research spans fundamental virology, therapeutic development and public health. She leads a multidisciplinary research program focused on emerging viral diseases, integrating molecular virology, immunology and clinical medicine to understand how viruses cause disease and to develop new antiviral and host-directed therapies. Dr Herrero's research has transformed understanding of alphavirus pathogenesis, leading to the first targeted treatment for viral-induced arthritis and advancing multiple therapeutic candidates towards clinical translation. Beyond therapeutics, her work has shaped infectious disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness and public health policy through collaborations with clinicians, industry, government and the World Health Organization. Professor Herrero was the recipient of the 2023 Prime Minister's Prize for Science (New Innovators, the premier science awards in Australia) and a 2026 NHMRC Leadership Investigator Fellowship in recognition of her internationally recognised contributions to antiviral research and translation. She serves on the Board of the International Society for Antiviral Research and is passionate about mentoring emerging scientists and translating discovery into tangible benefits for patients and public health.

About the Award

The William Prusoff Memorial Award is presented annually by the International Society for Antiviral Research (ISAR) at the International Conference on Antiviral Research. The award honors an outstanding junior scientist who has demonstrated dedication and excellence in antiviral research and strong potential for future contributions to the field and the Society. The award includes a $5,000 cash award and up to $2,500 for administrative fees and travel support (varies based on awardee location). The recipient will also deliver a presentation at the annual conference. The award honors Dr. William (“Bill”) Prusoff, one of the most talented and beloved members of ISAR and a loyal member of the Society since its inception. His contributions to the development of antiviral agents that advanced to clinical use were exceptional, as was his dedication to mentoring young scientists.

Award Criteria

The recipient should be a junior scientist (basic or clinical, synthetic or pharmacological) who has demonstrated:

• Dedication and excellence in antiviral research, as evidenced by the quality and impact of peer-reviewed publications, presentations at national and international meetings, and scientific or professional responsibilities.
• Potential for future contributions to antiviral research and the International Society for Antiviral Research.
• Service to the antiviral research community, which may also be considered in the selection process.
• The nominee must be no more than seven years from their first appointment as an independent researcher or no older than 45 years of age at the time of nomination. Extended leaves of absence for cause majeure, including parental or health-related leave, may be excluded when determining eligibility.

Nominations

Nominations must be submitted by a member in good standing of ISAR and should include:

• A letter of recommendation describing the nominee’s accomplishments, qualifications, and suitability for the award based on the criteria above.
• The nominee’s curriculum vitae.

Nominations are reviewed by the ISAR Awards Committee, which selects the recipient. The ISAR President will notify the recipient and nominator of the selection. The award is presented at the next International Conference on Antiviral Research, where the recipient will deliver a presentation as part of the award ceremony.

Previous Recipients