Dr Vittone is a biochemist and has been behind important research into viruses and the

way they travel through the body.

For five years, Dr Vittone had worked at the Westmead Millennium Institute where he completed his doctorate while researching ways to stop some viruses spreading through the body.

But it's his role as a finalist in Cleo magazine's 50 Most Eligible Bachelors competition that people are talking about.

``It's a good chance to bring attention and awareness to the young researchers working here and I'm honoured to represent them,'' said Dr Vittone, 35.

Dr Vittone has been modelling for 15 years.

He's appeared in Italy's Vogue magazine and has modelled for fashion designer Versace.

He said he recognised that the public was more interested in reading celebrity-related stories than those about science.

``Scientific news has more relevance to our lives but doesn't get the attention it deserves, so I am combining the bachelor competition with science,'' Dr Vittone said.

His work has focused on the herpes simplex virus and how it is transported through the body and what drugs could prevent it from spreading. He wants to help find anti-viral drugs that work against the virus and which can also be made available to developing countries. He's also developed a technology to clone genes at the institute.

Dr Vittone said his involvement with the bachelor competition had already boosted his work

as well as the institute's profile.

Once the competition ends, he will go to Los Angeles to organise a fund-raiser for the institute.

To vote for Valerio Vittone, visit cleobachelors.com.au