Globally, HIV and AIDS continue to impact negatively on nations, communities and families. Education--both in and out of school--has been identified as having a key role to play in educating people about how to avoid infection. It also holds the potential to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with AIDS. In his Inaugural Lecture, Professor Peter Aggleton--reflecting on twenty years experience--examines the potential of education to bring about lasting change in the HIV epidemic. He also explores why too few educationalists have risen to the challenge.