Bernard Roizman, ScD, the world’s leading expert on herpes simplex virus (HSV) and Joseph Regenstein Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology at The University of Chicago, died on April 13, 2026, at the age of 96.
Over a career spanning seven decades, Roizman reshaped the field of virology through his work on HSV, a common, lifelong infection responsible for a range of human diseases. He mapped the virus’s genome, defined how it infects host cells, and developed DNA-based techniques that revealed the roles of specific viral genes in infection and replication.
His work laid the foundation for efforts to develop vaccines against HSV, as well as gene therapies and anti-cancer treatments that use modified forms of the virus. Over the course of his career, he authored more than 650 peer-reviewed publications, a body of work that both shaped and reflected the evolution of modern virology.
Read more about Dr. Roizman's career
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Dr. Roizman’s memory may consider making a donation to support the Microbiology Research & Education Fund at the University of Chicago. Checks may be made payable to the “University of Chicago” and sent to:
University of Chicago Gift Administration and Business Data
Dr. Bernard Roizman Memorial
5235 S. Harper Court, 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60615
Donations may also be made online at: ucmtribute.org/Bernard-Roizman
