The USF Health Institute for Translational Virology and Innovation (ITVI), founded in 2024 and directed by Robert C. Gallo, MD, represents the newest chapter in the storied career of one of the world’s most influential virologists. ITVI serves as a Center of Excellence for the Global Virus Network (GVN)—a worldwide coalition of leading virologists that is now also headquartered at the University of South Florida.

Rise to prominence

Dr. Gallo rose to international prominence in 1984 when he co-discovered HIV as the cause of AIDS, at a time when little was known about the mysterious disease that was rapidly becoming one of the deadliest in modern medical history.

Best known for his groundbreaking HIV research, Dr. Gallo and his team pioneered the development of the HIV blood test, which allowed health care workers to screen for the virus, saving countless lives by enabling early diagnosis and protecting patients receiving blood transfusions. His research also helped lay the foundation for HIV therapies that extend the lives of those infected. In 1996, his discovery that natural compounds called chemokines could block HIV and halt the progression of AIDS was hailed by Science magazine as one of the year’s most important breakthroughs. This work also paved the way for identifying CCR5 as a critical HIV co-receptor.

Landmark discoveries and early accomplishments

Even before the AIDS epidemic, Dr. Gallo made landmark discoveries in virology during his 30 years at the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute (NCI), where he headed the Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology. At NCI, he was the first to identify a human retrovirus and the only known human leukemia virus, HTLV—one of the few viruses proven to cause cancer. In 1976, he and his colleagues discovered Interleukin-2, a growth-regulating substance now used in some cancer and AIDS therapies. In 1986, his group identified the first new human herpesvirus in 25 years (HHV-6), later linked to Roseola and now considered a potential factor in Alzheimer’s disease.

Before founding the Institute of Human Virology (IHV) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1996—the first virology center to combine research, patient care, and prevention under one roof—Dr. Gallo had already cemented his reputation as one of the most accomplished virologists of his generation.

From Connecticut to Tampa

A Connecticut native, Dr. Gallo’s interest in science and medicine was deeply personal. At age 12, he lost his 6-year-old sister to leukemia. The physicians who cared for her made a lasting impression, inspiring him to dedicate his life to scientific research and the pursuit of solutions to the world’s deadliest diseases.

In 2011, Dr. Gallo co-founded the Global Virus Network (GVN) to unite the world’s leading virologists, accelerate responses to emerging viral threats, and train the next generation of medical virologists.

Dr. Gallo’s move to Tampa Bay not only established ITVI but also marked his appointment as head of the newly formed Microbial Oncology Program at Tampa General Hospital’s Cancer Institute, where he is advancing investigations into microbial oncogenesis, such as the role of viruses and select bacteria in the initiation and progression of human cancers.

Now based in Tampa, Dr. Gallo continues to expand his visionary legacy through ITVI at USF Health. The Institute links global virology leaders with Florida’s growing biomedical ecosystem to accelerate cutting-edge research, diagnostics, and therapeutics for emerging infectious diseases. Within its first year, ITVI launched two biotechnology spin-offs with plans for additional ventures that bridge academic research and industry innovation. His relocation has positioned Tampa Bay as a hub for virology, pandemic preparedness, and microbial oncology, fostering collaborations with institutions like Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute and international GVN partners.

Over his distinguished career, Dr. Gallo’s discoveries have driven diagnostic and therapeutic advances in cancer, AIDS, and other viral disorders. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine, has received prestigious honors worldwide, and holds 35 honorary doctorates. Twice awarded the Albert Lasker Award in Medicine (1982 and 1986), Dr. Gallo was the most referenced scientist in the world during the 1980s and 1990s. He has authored more than 1,200 scientific publications and the book Virus Hunting: AIDS, Cancer & the Human Retrovirus—A Story of Scientific Discovery.

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