 In 2008, the French virologist Françoise Barré-Sinoussi was awarded, together with her former mentor Luc Montagnier, for the identification of the human immunodeficiency virus.Each year, Inserm awards three researchers in three major distinct categories.The "Grand prix de l'Inserm" recognizes major advancements in biology for an active researcher of the institution, the "Grand prix d'honneur" recognizes a French public institution's researcher whose contributions have had a major impact in science, and the "Prix étranger" (Foreign Prize) awards a foreign researcher for their particular contributions to biomedical research.