Frank Plummer

Francis (Frank) Allan Plummer, OC OM FRSC (born 1952) is a Canadian scientist, academic and HIV/AIDS researcher. He is "a recognized specialist in infectious diseases whose work has influenced public health policy in Canada and abroad". He is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Medicine and Medical Microbiology at the University of Manitoba and former Scientific Director General, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada. From 1984 until 2000 he worked in Nairobi, Kenya studying sexually transmitted infections. During his time in Kenya, his research described the heterosexual epidemiology of HIV and the role of male circumcision in reducing HIV infection risk in me. While at the National Microbiology Laboratory, he led the Canadian laboratory response to SARS, the H1N1 pandemic and oversaw the development of the successful VSV EBOV vaccine for Ebola viral hemorrhagic fever.

Honours

In 2006, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. In 2009, he was made a Member of the Order of Manitoba in recognition for being "an internationally renowned physician-scientist and expert in infectious diseases who has significantly contributed to global health". In 2014, he was awarded the Killam Prize for AIDS research. In 2012, he was awarded the Royal Society of Canada's McLaughlin Medal, awarded "for important research of sustained excellence in medical science". He was the recipient of the Canada Gairdner Wightman Award in 2016. As well as many other awards, Dr. Plummer has honorary degrees from the University of Calgary, McMaster University and the University of Windsor.