Eighty years ago today (25 October 1945), the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded jointly to Sir Alexander Fleming, Dr Ernst Chain, and Sir Howard Walter Florey for the discovery of penicillin and its curative effect on infectious diseases.
It was a pivotal moment for public health, recognising and establishing the important role of antimicrobials in preventing disease.
In 1928, in the course of experiments with Staphylococcus spp., Fleming noticed that, around a mould which had contaminated one of his cultures, the colonies of bacteria had been killed and had dissolved away.
But it was Howard Florey, Ernest Chain, and their scientific team who succeeded in taking this discovery and systematically producing a pure form of penicillin that led to the production of this potent pharmaceutical in large quantities at the beginning of the 1940s. In doing so, they revolutionised medical science, assisted the Allies to win World War 2, and went on to save countless millions of lives.
Howard Florey was born in Adelaide in 1898 and graduated from the University of Adelaide, before studying at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. Later in his life he was involved in the founding of the Australian National University (ANU), establishing the John Curtin School of Medical Research, and serving as chancellor of the ANU.
His vision, leadership and research made penicillin available to mankind. Plus he inspired those around him with his scientific enthusiasm, skill, honesty, and lack of pretentiousness.
In the presentation speech for the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945, Professor G. Liljestrand (Karolinska Institutet) stated:
It affords a splendid example of different scientific methods cooperating for a great common purpose. Once again it has shown us the fundamental importance of basic research.
This moment in history emphasises the enduring importance of good science in tackling our challenges – whether it is in medicine and disease prevention or addressing the challenges of managing food safety, food security, and sustainability. Good science is essential, as is a supply of competent scientists and support for research.
The Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology empowers the agrifood science community in its pursuit of knowledge and understanding to address future food needs safely and responsibly. As Florey said, Success in science is not just about intelligence or knowledge, but also about perseverance and the ability to learn from failures.
www.aifst.asn.au
References
