Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet (1899–1985) was an Australian immunologist and virologist who received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1960 for his work on acquired immunological tolerance. Here is a detailed biography of Macfarlane Burnet, highlighting key events in his life:
Early Life and Education:
- September 3, 1899: Frank Macfarlane Burnet was born in Traralgon, Victoria, Australia.
- Interest in Science: Burnet developed an early interest in science, particularly biology, during his school years.
- University Studies: He attended the University of Melbourne, where he studied medicine, graduating with honors in 1922.
Early Career and Research:
- Postgraduate Studies in London: Burnet pursued postgraduate studies at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in London under the guidance of Sir Charles Sherrington.
- Return to Australia: After completing his studies in London, Burnet returned to Australia in 1928 and began working at the Hall Institute.
- Virus Research: Burnet focused on research related to viruses, particularly influenza, and made notable contributions to the understanding of viral infections.
World War II and Biological Warfare Research:
- Military Service: During World War II, Burnet served in the Australian Army Medical Corps and later in the Department of Health.
- Biological Warfare Research: Burnet was involved in biological warfare research, including the study of potential biological weapons. This work, controversial today, was conducted under the context of wartime exigencies.
Immunological Tolerance Research:
- Post-War Years: After the war, Burnet returned to research at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, focusing on immunology.
- Clonal Selection Theory: In collaboration with Sir Gustav Nossal, Burnet proposed the clonal selection theory of the immune system, which explained how the immune system recognizes and responds to specific pathogens.
- Nobel Prize: In 1960, Macfarlane Burnet and Sir Peter Medawar were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries related to acquired immunological tolerance.
Later Career and Achievements:
- Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute: Burnet served as the Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute from 1944 to 1965.
- Publications: Burnet authored numerous scientific papers and books, contributing significantly to the field of immunology.
- Professorship and Honors: He held several academic positions, including a professorship at the University of Melbourne, and received numerous honors for his scientific achievements.
Personal Life and Legacy:
- Marriage: Burnet married Edith Linda Druce in 1928, and they had four children.
- Retirement and Death: Macfarlane Burnet retired in 1965 but continued to be active in scientific and public affairs. He passed away on August 31, 1985, in Port Fairy, Victoria, Australia.
- Legacy: Burnet’s contributions to immunology and virology had a profound impact on medical science. His research laid the groundwork for understanding the immune system and its role in disease.
Macfarlane Burnet’s career spanned several decades and left an enduring legacy in the fields of immunology and virology, contributing significantly to our understanding of the immune response and the development of vaccines.
