‘Defending science’: Abdool Karim from SA and American scientist Fauci awarded for their work during the pandemic

• John Maddox Award It is awarded annually to researchers who demonstrate courage and integrity in the face of fierce opposition and hostility.
• Usually there is only one winner, but Professor Abdool Karim and Dr. Fauci were awarded jointly.
• They were recognized for the key roles they played in how their respective governments tackled the coronavirus pandemic.

South African Professor Salim Abdool Karim and Dr. Anthony Fauci from the United States have been jointly awarded the 2020 John Maddox Prize for championing science during the Covid-19 virus pandemic.

The award, which has been awarded annually since 2012, is a joint initiative of the Sense about Science charity and the leading international scientific journal. Nature.

According to the Sense and Science website, the award is given “to researchers who have shown great courage and integrity in defending science and scientific reasoning against fierce opposition and hostility …

Usually there is only one winner, but this year the award was jointly awarded to Professor Abdool Karim, infectious disease epidemiologist and Director of the Research Program at the Center for AIDS in South Africa, and Dr. Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergies. and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the United States, “in recognition of their work as prominent government health advisers during the Covid-19 pandemic, and their exceptional communication of the science behind Covid-19 to the public and policy makers” .

There were more than 100 nominations for the award, from more than 34 countries.

“Anthony Fauci is receiving the award in recognition of his work in helping the public understand both the science behind complex and controversial public health problems, and how the nature of science influences government responses.

“While other government scientists have shunned the limelight, he has responded firmly to questions from the public,” said a statement on the Sense about Science website.

In South Africa, the statement says, Professor Abdool Karim showed similar dedication.

“He has a reputation for clear and honest communication, something that has allowed him to build public trust in fast-moving science. Respected for his advocacy of international science, the involvement of the media and the public has become an integral part of his role as a scientist.

“The enormous achievements of Karim and Fauci remind us of their work in the fight against AIDS. More than 30 years ago, Fauci oversaw much of the US government’s medical response to the AIDS crisis, while earlier Karim was one of the scientists who spoke out against AIDS denial in the 2000s. “

Professor Abdool Karim said he was deeply honored to receive the award, along with Dr. Fauci.

“After scientifically challenging AIDS denialism for two decades, the Covid-19 pandemic turned out to be a much more complex challenge.

“Serving the public by promoting science, evidence, and public discussion during two pandemics has been a privilege,” the statement quoted by him said.