Dr. Francesco Simonetti is an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University. His translational research combines clinical insight, molecular virology, and immunology to investigate HIV persistence. A recipient of the NIH Director’s Early Independence Award, he aims to improve outcomes for people living with HIV through novel diagnostics and cure strategies

Mr. Pio Smith is the Asia-Pacific Regional Director for UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health and rights agency. Appointed in October 2023, he leads UNFPA’s work across 36 countries in the world’s most populous and diverse region, advancing health, rights, and gender equality, while addressing population megatrends such as ageing, migration and demographic resilience.