During the IAS Conference on HIV Science held in Brisbane, our team had the opportunity to speak with Sharon Lewin. Currently serving as the Director of the Doherty Institute, she has also been newly appointed to the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations. While Professor Lewin primarily represents the biomedical research sector, her collaborations span a wide range of potential areas. In our discussion, she highlighted the "importance of scientific collaboration" and underscored the tangible value of "trusted, established partnerships." James Chau conducted the interview.