THE world’s best AIDS researchers perished in the Malaysia Airlines crash leaving a gaping hole in the field.

There were scores of AIDS activists, researchers and health workers on board the ill-fated flight bound for 20th International AIDS Conference starting in Melbourne on Sunday.

Among the dead was prominent Dutch researcher Joep Lange, who has been a pioneer in HIV research and research since the early eighties.

He was the former president of the International Aids Society and his work included preventing HIV being transmitted from a mother to their child.

Other notable delegates who died were Dr Lucie van Mens, who since 1995 has focused on HIV and AIDs prevention and the World Health Organisation’s Glenn Thomas.

AIDs campaigners Pim de Kuijer and Jacqueline van Tongeren are also among the dead.

AMA Victoria President Dr Tony Bartone said those who died on the plane “courageously and persistently” crusaded against HIV.

media_camera AIDS campaigner Pim de Kuijer was also killed.

“This act of terror will be felt around the world, as no country is immune from HIV and we desperately need international researchers to eradicate this virus,” Dr Bartone said.

“It is with sincere gratitude that we pay respect to these researchers and acknowledge the groundbreaking work that they have done.”

In a statement, the International AIDS Society said the tragedy and the loss of life “is a truly sad day”.

media_camera Another victim ... Lucie van Mens worked on AIDS prevention.

It also paid respect to Mr Lange and lamented the impact of his loss.

“HIV/AIDS movement has truly lost a giant,” it said in a statement.

Kirby Institute Director Professor David Cooper said Joep was a close colleague and friend who together established the HVNAT research centre in Bangkok and would now be his legacy.

“Joep had an absolute commitment to HIV treatment and care in Asia and Africa,” Professor Cooper said.

media_camera Former US President Bill Clinton is one of the speakers at this weekend’s 20th International AIDS Conference.

“The joy in collaborating with Joep was that he would always bring a fresh view, a unique take on things, and he never accepted that something was impossible to achieve.”

The AIDS conference in Melbourne is set to attract 25,000 people and will hear from world-leading researchers.

Former US president Bill Clinton and Sir Bob Geldof are the high profile speakers at the five day event.

aleks.devic@news.com.au