Leading infectious disease researchers to talk COVID-19 as part of Discovery Space event

Two infectious disease researchers are set to anchor an online, interactive discussion Thursday about the new coronavirus.

Discovery Space’s Night to Discover speaker series is scheduled to begin about 7 p.m. The event is free, but viewers are required to register.

Centre County residents can expect to hear from scientists David Ho and Peter Hudson, two men with no shortage of accolades to their names.

Ho’s research on HIV and AIDS, which was instrumental in developing a better understanding the virus and the disease, netted him the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2001. The award is the second-highest civilian award in the United States.

He was also named Time Magazine’s Man of the Year in 1996.

Hudson was named Humanitarian of the Year in 2018 by Kish Bank for his work on wildlife diseases. The annual award is given to someone who “has positively impacted the central Pennsylvania community through selfless dedication to elevating quality of life.”