Luc Antoine Montagnier | |
---|---|
Born | |
Died | 8 February 2022 Neuilly-sur-Seine, France | (aged 89)
Nationality | French |
Known for | Discovery of HIV |
Awards | 2008 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine |
Scientific career | |
Fields | Virology |
Institutions | Pasteur Institute Shanghai Jiao Tong University |
Luc Antoine Montagnier (18 August 1932 – 8 February 2022) was a French virologist and joint recipient with Françoise Barré-Sinoussi and Harald zur Hausen of the 2008 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine,[1] for the discovery made by his team, and particularly Françoise Baré-Sinoussi of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). He worked as a full-time professor at Shanghai Jiaotong University.[2]
He has been discredited by his Nobel peers because of the many fake and dangerous theories he tries to spread,[3] such as "DNA teleportation" or Papaya Cure for AIDS or Parkinson disease. In 2009 he published two controversial research studies which, if true, "would be the most significant experiments performed in the past 90 years, demanding re-evaluation of the whole conceptual framework of modern chemistry".[4] Homeopaths claim his research as support for homeopathy, but Montagnier himself says it cannot be extended to homeopathy.[5] Many scientists have greeted it with scorn and harsh criticism.[4][6][7]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Montagnier also supported the conspiracy theory that SARS-CoV-2 was created and escaped from a laboratory.[8][9]
He received the Legion of Honour.
Montagnier died on 8 February 2022 at a hospital in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France at the age of 89.[10]