Flossie Wong Staal

Virologist who co-discovered HIV and revolutionized AIDS research through groundbreaking genetic mapping.

Flossie Wong-Staal (1946–2020) was a Chinese-American virologist whose pioneering work on HIV/AIDS transformed modern medicine. As part of the team at the National Institutes of Health, she became the first scientist to clone HIV and decode its genetic structure, enabling targeted therapies.

Her research identified HIV as the cause of AIDS, debunking misconceptions about the disease. Wong-Staal’s development of gene therapy approaches offered hope for eradicating viral reservoirs. Later, she led efforts at UC San Diego to create a universal HIV vaccine using cutting-edge CRISPR technology.

Wong-Staal’s legacy extends beyond virology. She co-founded Immune Network, a biotech firm focused on immunotherapy, and mentored countless women in STEM. Her work earned her a place in the National Women’s Hall of Fame and recognition as one of the top 50 female scientists by Discover Magazine.