# John Franklin Enders > American medical researcher (1897-1985) **Wikidata**: [Q312961](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q312961) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Franklin_Enders) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/john-franklin-enders ## Summary John Franklin Enders, born on February 10, 1897, in West Hartford [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9], was a United States citizen whose career spanned multiple scientific disciplines, including virology, chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, and entrepreneurship . He worked at Harvard University and became a member of prestigious scientific organizations, including the Royal Society, the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the National Academy of Sciences [10].Enders received numerous accolades for his contributions, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research, the Rudolf-Diesel-Medaille, the AMA Scientific Achievement Award, the Howard Taylor Ricketts Prize, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, among others [11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. He died on September 8, 1985, in Waterford [1][2][3][18][4][5][7][19][8][9] and was buried at Fairview Cemetery [9]. ## Summary John Franklin Enders was an American medical researcher (1897–1985) who co-discovered the polio vaccine, a groundbreaking achievement in virology and public health. His work with Thomas H. Weller and Frederick C. Robbins led to the development of the first effective vaccine against poliomyelitis, revolutionizing disease prevention. ## Biography - Born: February 10, 1897, West Hartford, Connecticut, United States - Nationality: American - Education: - Bachelor of Science, Yale University (1919) - Doctor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School (1923) - Known for: Co-discovery of the polio vaccine (1952) - Employer(s): Harvard University, Yale University, St. Paul's School - Field(s): Virology, medicine, biochemistry ## Contributions - **Polio Vaccine Development**: Co-discovered the polio vaccine with Thomas H. Weller and Frederick C. Robbins in 1952. Their research demonstrated that the virus could be grown in monkey kidney cells, leading to the first effective vaccine against poliomyelitis. - **Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine**: Awarded the Nobel Prize in 1954 for their work on the polio vaccine, recognizing the team's contributions to medical science. - **Albert Lasker Award**: Received the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research in 1952 for their polio vaccine research. - **Presidential Medal of Freedom**: Honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 for his contributions to medical research and public health. - **Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences**: Elected as a fellow in 1952 for his work in virology and medicine. ## FAQs **What was John Franklin Enders's most significant achievement?** John Franklin Enders's most significant achievement was co-discovering the polio vaccine in 1952, which revolutionized the prevention of poliomyelitis. His work with Thomas H. Weller and Frederick C. Robbins demonstrated that the virus could be cultivated in monkey kidney cells, leading to the first effective vaccine. **Where did John Franklin Enders receive his education?** John Franklin Enders earned his Bachelor of Science from Yale University in 1919 and his Doctor of Medicine from Harvard Medical School in 1923. **What awards did John Franklin Enders receive for his work on the polio vaccine?** John Franklin Enders received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1954, the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research in 1952, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 for his contributions to medical research and public health. **Which institutions was John Franklin Enders affiliated with?** John Franklin Enders was affiliated with Harvard University, Yale University, and St. Paul's School during his career. **What field of study did John Franklin Enders specialize in?** John Franklin Enders specialized in virology, medicine, and biochemistry, focusing on the development of vaccines and the study of viruses. ## Why They Matter John Franklin Enders's work on the polio vaccine had a profound and lasting impact on global public health. His discovery, along with the contributions of Thomas H. Weller and Frederick C. Robbins, eliminated a major public health threat and saved countless lives. The polio vaccine, developed through their research, became a cornerstone of immunology and preventive medicine, demonstrating the power of scientific collaboration in addressing global health challenges. Enders's work also set a precedent for future vaccine development, influencing generations of researchers in virology and medicine. His legacy continues to inspire efforts in disease prevention and global health initiatives. ## Notable For - Co-discovery of the polio vaccine (1952), the first effective vaccine against poliomyelitis. - Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1954) for his work on the polio vaccine. - Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research (1952) for his contributions to medical science. - Presidential Medal of Freedom (1977) for his significant contributions to medical research and public health. - Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1952) for his work in virology and medicine. - Recognition as a pioneer in virology and a leader in vaccine development. ## Body ### Early Life and Education John Franklin Enders was born on February 10, 1897, in West Hartford, Connecticut. He attended St. Paul's School, a boarding school in Concord, New Hampshire, before earning his Bachelor of Science from Yale University in 1919. He then pursued medical studies at Harvard Medical School, graduating with his Doctor of Medicine in 1923. His early education laid the foundation for his future work in virology and medicine. ### Career and Research John Franklin Enders began his career at Harvard University, where he conducted groundbreaking research in virology. His work focused on the cultivation of viruses, particularly poliomyelitis, which was a significant challenge at the time. Collaborating with Thomas H. Weller and Frederick C. Robbins, Enders demonstrated that the poliovirus could be grown in monkey kidney cells, a breakthrough that enabled the development of the first effective polio vaccine. ### Polio Vaccine Development In 1952, Enders, Weller, and Robbins published their findings on the cultivation of the poliovirus, which led to the development of the first polio vaccine. Their research showed that the virus could be cultivated in monkey kidney cells, allowing for the production of a vaccine that could be administered to prevent poliomyelitis. This discovery marked a major milestone in medical science and public health. ### Awards and Recognition John Franklin Enders's contributions to medical research were widely recognized with numerous awards and honors. He received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1954 for his work on the polio vaccine, along with Thomas H. Weller and Frederick C. Robbins. He also received the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research in 1952 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 for his significant contributions to medical science and public health. Additionally, he was elected as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1952 for his work in virology and medicine. ### Legacy and Influence John Franklin Enders's work on the polio vaccine had a profound and lasting impact on global public health. His discovery, along with the contributions of Thomas H. Weller and Frederick C. Robbins, eliminated a major public health threat and saved countless lives. The polio vaccine, developed through their research, became a cornerstone of immunology and preventive medicine, demonstrating the power of scientific collaboration in addressing global health challenges. Enders's legacy continues to inspire efforts in disease prevention and global health initiatives. His work also set a precedent for future vaccine development, influencing generations of researchers in virology and medicine. ## References 1. Find a Grave 2. [1954 Winners. Lasker Foundation](http://www.laskerfoundation.org/awards/1954basic.htm) 3. [The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1954. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1954/summary/) 4. [Table showing prize amounts. Nobel Foundation. 2019](https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2019/04/prize-amounts-2020.pdf) 5. [Source](https://biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/lecture-series/ricketts) 6. [Source](https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47639) 7. [Robert Koch Award](https://www.robert-koch-stiftung.de/index.php?article_id=15&clang=1) 8. [Robert-Koch-Preis. Robert Koch Foundation](https://www.robert-koch-stiftung.de/index.php?article_id=15&clang=0) 9. Complete List of Royal Society Fellows 1660-2007 10. Journal officiel de la République française. 1973 11. NNDB 12. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 13. SNAC 14. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 15. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana 16. Proleksis Encyclopedia 17. Croatian Encyclopedia 18. www.academie-medecine.fr 19. Munzinger Personen 20. BnF authorities 21. La France savante 22. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 23. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File