Founded in 1993, DirectEffect is a volunteer group dedicated exclusively to raising funds for research on HIV and AIDS at The Rockefeller University. Unlike other programs of its kind, DirectEffect contributes every dollar it raises to basic and clinical research. To date, the program has attracted more than 1,300 contributors and raised more than $7 million for AIDS research at the University.

The Rockefeller University Hospital is the site of all clinical research supported by DirectEffect to translate basic science into better medicine.

Key HIV-AIDS researchers at The Rockefeller University include:

• David Ho, M.D., Irene Diamond Professor and Scientific Director of The Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, the world's largest private HIV-AIDS research institute and an affiliate of The Rockefeller University. The Ho group pioneered the first life-extending treatments for HIV developed through patient-based research at The Rockefeller University Hospital. They are now concentrating on development of a vaccine to induce immunity against HIV infection. A vaccine trial is under way in China. Martin Markowitz, M.D., an associate professor of clinical investigation at Rockefeller, directs the Diamond Center's clinical programs. His group focuses on designing medication strategies and vaccines.
• Ralph M. Steinman, M.D., Henry G. Kunkel Professor at The Rockefeller University, directs the Christopher H. Browne Center for Immunology and Immune Diseases. Dr. Steinman discovered the dendritic cell, which plays an essential role in alerting T cells to the presence of invading microbes. Drawing on their knowledge of dendritic cells, members of the Steinman group are designing novel treatments for HIV infection and AIDS.

DirectEffect volunteers host events throughout the year where program supporters are brought together with the world's top AIDS scientists to hear special reports on current research and advances in antiviral therapy and vaccine development.

Many wish to honor someone with a tribute or remember a loved one with a memorial gift to DirectEffect. Upon request, The Rockefeller University will send a gift acknowledgement card on your behalf. To Make a Gift Online click here.

For more information about DirectEffect, or to discuss making a gift, please contact:

Ms. Mindi Laine
Development Officer
The Rockefeller University
1230 York Avenue, Box 164
New York, NY 10065

Telephone: (212) 327-7570
E-mail: directeffect@rockefeller.edu