The HHV-6 Foundation in a non-profit institution that encourages scientific exchange between investigators by holding conferences for virologists and clinical researchers, maintaining a repository of reagents to facilitate research and offering pilot grants for promising research projects.
The Foundation also seeks to raise awareness among physicians of the many conditions that have recently been associated with HHV-6 infection and encourage the discovery of antiviral compounds appropriate for HHV-6. The Foundation pilot grants allow investigators the seed funds to gather preliminary data in order to apply for larger grants.
Dharam Ablashi, Scientific Director and Kristin Loomis, Executive Director of the HHV-6 Foundation
The Scientific Director is Dharam Ablashi, co-discoverer of the HHV-6 virus and a 22-year veteran of the National Cancer Institute. Ablashi is also the co-founder of the EBV Association and the IACFS. Kristin Loomis has served as the Executive Director since founding the organization in 2004 with the help of several other family members and patients who suffered from HHV-6- associated central nervous system disease. The Scientific Advisory Board is comprised of many of the world’s top experts on HHV-6.
Jill Chase manages the Foundation’s Repository as well as many of the research projects initiated by the Foundation, which typically involve recruiting groups of investigators to combine efforts in important areas of research. Joshua Pritchett handles patient correspondence and assists various investigators in compiling data and with statistical analysis.
Judith Anderson and Courtney Hischier work on strategic planning and development projects for the Foundation. Louise Chatlynne volunteers her time to assist the Foundation on important research projects and Nathan Zemke serves as a project assistant for ongoing research endeavors.
The Foundation sponsors a large international conference every other year.
