Pioneering medical researcher and health educator who made groundbreaking contributions to the understanding and treatment of AIDS, playing a crucial role in reducing stigma and promoting education about the disease.
Born Mathilde Galland on July 9, 1926, in Como, Italy, to a Swiss Protestant father and Italian Roman Catholic mother, Krim's early life was marked by a strong sense of curiosity and a passion for discovery. She received her PhD in Biology from the University of Geneva, Switzerland, in 1953.
Krim's research career spanned over five decades and took her from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel to Cornell University Medical School in New York. Her work focused on cytogenetics and cancer-causing viruses, and she was part of the team that developed a method for prenatal determination of sex.
In the 1960s, Krim became increasingly involved in the American civil rights movement, the movements for independence in Rhodesia and South Africa, the gay rights movement, and numerous other civil liberties and human rights movements. Her marriage to Arthur B. Krim, a prominent New York attorney and founder of Orion Pictures, further solidified her commitment to social justice.
In 1983, Krim founded amfAR, the American Foundation for AIDS Research, with Dr. Michael Gottlieb and Dr. Michael Callen. The organization was established in response to the growing AIDS epidemic and the lack of government response to the crisis. Under Krim's leadership, amfAR became a leading force in AIDS research, treatment, and advocacy.
Krim received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, in 2000. She was also awarded the National Medal of Science, the Albert Lasker Public Service Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of People with AIDS.
Krim's personal life was marked by her strong sense of conviction and her willingness to take risks. She smuggled weapons and explosives to the Zionist group Irgun in the 1940s and was a vocal advocate for civil rights and human rights throughout her life.
"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." - Mathilde Krim
Krim's work has had a profound impact on modern society, from the advancements in AIDS research to the advocacy for human rights and social justice. Her legacy continues to inspire and motivate individuals and organizations around the world.
Through her tireless advocacy and groundbreaking research, Mathilde Krim has left an indelible mark on the world. Her story serves as a testament to the power of conviction, determination, and compassion.
Born in 1914
Developed the first inactivated poliovirus vaccine, leading to the near eradication of polio, and founded the Salk Institute for Biological Studies.
Born in 1908
Pioneering broadcast journalist who exposed Senator Joseph McCarthy's communist witch hunt, setting a high standard for fearless reporting.
98 Years Old
A Romanian-American writer, professor, and humanitarian who survived the Holocaust and dedicated his life to promoting peace, justice, and human rights, leaving a lasting impact on literature and activism.
Born in 1920
A British scientist who contributed significantly to the discovery of the structure of DNA, providing high-quality X-ray crystallography images that helped James Watson and Francis Crick develop their famous model.
Born in 1879
A pioneering birth control activist who advocated for women's reproductive rights and founded the American Birth Control League, precursor to Planned Parenthood.
