Each year, the annual spring BHIVA conference takes place in a different UK location. This year, it was Brighton’s time to shine on the 23rd to Friday 25th April at the Brighton Dome.
The annual event gathers healthcare professionals, researchers, community advocates, and individuals living with HIV to discuss the latest developments in HIV care, treatment, and prevention. The conference featured a comprehensive scientific programme, including oral and poster presentations, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.
The conference recognised outstanding contributions through awards such as the Margaret Johnson Best Oral Research Presentation, Ian Williams Best Poster Prize, Chloe Orkin Award for social sciences, and the Martin Fisher Award for community-based work.
The Martin Fisher Foundation had a centrally located stall in the main hall of the conference, and were proudly joined by the team at Lunch Positive, THT and the HIV Hour.
Professor Martin Fisher was a pioneering figure in HIV medicine, whose influence is deeply felt both in Brighton and across the UK. In 1995, Martin became an HIV consultant in Brighton, coinciding with the advent of effective HIV therapies. Over the next two decades, he established a robust HIV department, leading a dedicated team committed to individualised patient care. His approach emphasised dignity, compassion, and respect for those living with HIV .
Nationally, Martin played a significant role in shaping HIV treatment guidelines. As honorary secretary of the British HIV Association (BHIVA), he chaired the guidelines subcommittee and contributed to various national standards of care . His work extended to the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH), where he was instrumental in education and policy development.
It was fitting that at the BHIVA 2025 conference, a special tribute was paid to Martin Fisher as the conference returned to Brighton exactly 10 years after his death, and 30 years after he became a consultant.
