Top AIDS researchers among those killed on MH17

Top-level AIDS researchers on their way to Melbourne for an international conference are reportedly among those killed on Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.

Dutch clinical researcher and HIV Netherlands Australia Research Collaboration co-director Joep Lange is reportedly among the dead, with colleagues and peers taking to Twitter to express their grief.

"Reports Joep Lange died in Malaysian plane crash today, with other scientists on way to AIDS_conference. Desperately sad news," the National AIDS Trust Tweeted.

"Joep Lange dies in Malaysian plane crash. Deep sorrow...and huge respect," the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV Tweeted.

The International AIDS Society did not name any passengers but issued a statement expressing "sincere sadness" at the loss of "colleagues and friends" travelling to the 20th International AIDS Conference.

"At this incredibly sad and sensitive time the IAS stands with our international family and sends condolences to the loved ones of those who have been lost to this tragedy."

The World Health Organisation's Glenn Thomas was another conference delegate killed in the crash.

Several other WHO staffers were also on the flight.

A number of other passengers are understood to represent organisations including Stop AIDS Now and AIDS Fonds Netherlands.

They were on their way to AIDS 2014 in Melbourne, the 20th International AIDS Conference.

Australian Medical Association Victoria president, Dr Tony Bartone, paid tribute to the lost researchers.

"This act of terror will be felt around the world, as no country is immune from HIV and we desperately need international researchers to eradicate this virus," he said.

"It is with sincere gratitude that we pay respect to these researchers and acknowledge the groundbreaking work that they have done."