# Frank Macfarlane Burnet

> Australian virologist (1899-1985)

**Wikidata**: [Q193550](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q193550)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macfarlane_Burnet)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/frank-macfarlane-burnet

## Summary
Frank Macfarlane Burnet was an Australian virologist (1899–1985) who made foundational contributions to immunology and virology, including the discovery of the role of antibodies in immunity. He was a pioneer in vaccine development and received numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1960) and the Copley Medal. Burnet is best known for his work on the immune system, particularly his research on viral infections and the mechanisms of immunity.

## Biography
- Born: September 3, 1899, in Brisbane, Australia
- Nationality: Australian
- Education:
  - Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Melbourne (1921)
  - Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of London (1924)
- Known for: Pioneering research on viral infections, immune system mechanisms, and vaccine development
- Employer(s):
  - University of Melbourne (1921–1936)
  - University of London (1936–1967)
- Field(s): Virology, Immunology

## Contributions
- **Discovery of Antibody Structure**: Burnet and Peter Medawar developed the concept of antibody structure, which laid the foundation for modern immunology.
- **Vaccine Development**: Burnet led research that contributed to the development of vaccines, including those for smallpox and other infectious diseases.
- **Immunology Research**: Burnet’s work on viral infections and immune responses provided critical insights into how the immune system defends against pathogens.
- **Coxiella burnetii Research**: Burnet identified *Coxiella burnetii*, the bacterium responsible for Q fever, advancing understanding of zoonotic diseases.
- **Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1960)**: Awarded for his discoveries concerning antigenic specificity and immunity, particularly his work on viral diseases and the role of antibodies.

## FAQs
**What were Frank Macfarlane Burnet’s major contributions to science?**
Burnet made significant contributions to virology and immunology, including the discovery of antibody structure and the development of vaccines. His research on viral infections and immune responses provided critical insights into how the immune system functions.

**Where did Frank Macfarlane Burnet study and work?**
Burnet studied at the University of Melbourne and the University of London. He worked at the University of Melbourne from 1921 to 1936 and later at the University of London from 1936 to 1967.

**What awards did Frank Macfarlane Burnet receive?**
Burnet received numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1960), the Copley Medal, and the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research.

**What is Frank Macfarlane Burnet best known for?**
Burnet is best known for his pioneering research on viral infections, immune system mechanisms, and vaccine development. His work laid the foundation for modern immunology and virology.

## Why They Matter
Frank Macfarlane Burnet’s work revolutionized immunology and virology, providing critical insights into how the immune system defends against pathogens. His discoveries on antibody structure and viral diseases laid the groundwork for vaccine development and modern immunology. Burnet’s research influenced generations of scientists and contributed to major medical advancements, including the development of vaccines that have saved millions of lives. His legacy continues to shape the field of immunology and remains a cornerstone of medical science.

## Notable For
- **Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1960)**: Awarded for his discoveries concerning antigenic specificity and immunity.
- **Copley Medal (1960)**: Recognized for his contributions to science.
- **Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research (1959)**: Honored for his fundamental research in immunology.
- **Discovery of Coxiella burnetii**: Advanced understanding of zoonotic diseases.
- **Pioneering Research in Immunology**: Laid the foundation for modern immunology and virology.
- **Fellow of the Royal Society**: Recognized for his significant contributions to science.
- **Knight Bachelor (1960)**: Honored by the British monarchy for his scientific achievements.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Frank Macfarlane Burnet was born on September 3, 1899, in Brisbane, Australia. He completed his medical training at the University of Melbourne, earning his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 1921. He later obtained his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of London in 1924.

### Career and Research
Burnet’s career was marked by groundbreaking research in virology and immunology. He worked at the University of Melbourne from 1921 to 1936 and later at the University of London from 1936 to 1967. His research focused on viral infections, immune responses, and the mechanisms of immunity.

### Key Discoveries
- **Antibody Structure**: Burnet and Peter Medawar developed the concept of antibody structure, which is fundamental to modern immunology.
- **Vaccine Development**: Burnet’s work contributed to the development of vaccines, including those for smallpox and other infectious diseases.
- **Coxiella burnetii**: Burnet identified *Coxiella burnetii*, the bacterium responsible for Q fever, advancing understanding of zoonotic diseases.

### Awards and Honors
Burnet received numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1960), the Copley Medal, and the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research. He was also knighted by the British monarchy in 1960 for his scientific achievements.

### Legacy
Frank Macfarlane Burnet’s legacy in science is profound. His discoveries in immunology and virology have had a lasting impact on medical science. Burnet’s work laid the foundation for modern immunology and vaccine development, influencing generations of scientists. His contributions to the understanding of viral diseases and immune responses remain essential to medical research and public health. Burnet’s legacy continues to shape the field of immunology and remains a cornerstone of medical science.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
4. LIBRIS. 2002
5. [1952 Winners. Lasker Foundation](http://www.laskerfoundation.org/awards/1952basic.htm)
6. [Award winners : Copley Medal. Royal Society](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dsunM9ukGLgaW3HdG9cvJ_QKd7pWjGI0qi_fCb1ROD4/pubhtml?gid=1336391689&single=true)
7. [The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1960. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1960/summary/)
8. [Table showing prize amounts. Nobel Foundation. 2019](https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2019/04/prize-amounts-2020.pdf)
9. [Source](https://www.royalsoc.org.au/awards/past-awards/13-awards/16-james-cook-medal)
10. [Source](https://www.science.org.au/profile/macfarlane-burnet)
11. Australian honours system
12. [Source](https://www.science.org.au/supporting-science/awards-and-opportunities/matthew-flinders-medal-and-lecture)
13. Plarr's Lives of the Fellows
14. Encyclopedia of Australian Science and Innovation
15. [Source](https://www.royalsociety.org.nz/who-we-are/our-people/our-fellows/all-honorary-fellows/)
16. [Source](http://library.vuw.ac.nz/files/misc/unz-roll1961.pdf)
17. Virtual International Authority File
18. CiNii Research
19. NNDB
20. SNAC
21. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
22. Munk's Roll
23. Croatian Encyclopedia
24. Munzinger Personen
25. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
26. Golden
27. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
28. Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno
29. Catalogo of the National Library of India