# Peter Medawar

> English-brazilian biologist (1915–1987)

**Wikidata**: [Q214209](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q214209)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Medawar)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/peter-medawar

## Summary
Peter Medawar was an English-Brazilian biologist (1915–1987) known for his groundbreaking work in immunology, physiology, and the philosophy of science. He was a pioneer in transplant research, coining the term "graft-versus-host disease" and contributing to the understanding of immune responses. Medawar was a professor, researcher, and member of prestigious scientific societies, earning numerous awards including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1960) and the Copley Medal.

## Biography
- Born: February 28, 1915, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Nationality: British (born in Brazil)
- Education: Studied at Magdalen College, Oxford, and the University of Birmingham
- Known for: Pioneering work in immunology, particularly in transplant rejection and immune tolerance
- Employer(s): University of Oxford, University College London, Magdalen College
- Field(s): Immunology, physiology, philosophy of science

## Contributions
- **Graft-versus-Host Disease**: Coined the term to describe immune reactions in transplanted tissues, advancing understanding of immune responses.
- **Transplant Rejection Mechanisms**: Demonstrated that transplant rejection is not solely due to blood group incompatibility but involves complex immune responses.
- **Autobiography**: Wrote *Pluto's Republic* (1964), a philosophical exploration of science and society, earning him the Kalinga Prize.
- **Scientific Leadership**: Served as president of the Royal Society and the British Association for the Advancement of Science.
- **Educational Influence**: Taught at Magdalen College and the University of Oxford, shaping generations of scientists.

## FAQs
**What was Peter Medawar's most significant scientific contribution?**
Medawar's most significant contribution was his work on transplant rejection, where he demonstrated that immune responses are more complex than previously thought, leading to the concept of "graft-versus-host disease."

**Where did Peter Medawar study and work?**
Medawar studied at Magdalen College, Oxford, and the University of Birmingham. He worked at the University of Oxford, University College London, and Magdalen College, where he held academic positions.

**What awards did Peter Medawar receive?**
Medawar received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1960), the Copley Medal, the Royal Medal, and the Kalinga Prize for his contributions to science and philosophy.

**What is "Pluto's Republic"?**
*Pluto's Republic* (1964) is Medawar's autobiography and philosophical work exploring the relationship between science and society, earning him the Kalinga Prize.

**What was Medawar's role in the Royal Society?**
Medawar served as president of the Royal Society and was a Fellow, contributing to its scientific and philosophical missions.

## Why They Matter
Peter Medawar's work revolutionized immunology by challenging traditional views on transplant rejection and immune tolerance. His philosophical writings, such as *Pluto's Republic*, influenced public understanding of science. As a Nobel laureate and leader in scientific societies, he shaped global perspectives on medicine and research. His legacy endures through his contributions to education, scientific ethics, and the intersection of science and society.

## Notable For
- **Nobel Prize Winner**: First Brazilian-born scientist to win the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1960).
- **Copley Medal Recipient**: Awarded by the Royal Society for outstanding contributions to science.
- **Royal Medal Holder**: Recognized for exceptional achievements in scientific research.
- **Kalinga Prize Winner**: Honored for *Pluto's Republic* and its philosophical impact.
- **Fellow of the Royal Society**: Elected for his distinguished work in science and philosophy.
- **Commander of the Order of the British Empire**: Recognized for his service to science.
- **Knight Bachelor**: Appointed for his contributions to medicine and science.
- **Order of Merit Member**: Honored for his lifelong dedication to scientific advancement.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Peter Brian Medawar was born on February 28, 1915, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to British parents. He attended Marlborough College in England before studying at Magdalen College, Oxford, and the University of Birmingham. His early education laid the foundation for his future work in biology and medicine.

### Scientific Career
Medawar began his career as a researcher and professor, specializing in immunology and physiology. He worked at the University of Oxford and University College London, where he conducted groundbreaking research on transplant rejection and immune responses. His work led to the concept of "graft-versus-host disease," which remains a cornerstone of immunology.

### Philosophical Contributions
In addition to his scientific work, Medawar was a prominent philosopher of science. His autobiography, *Pluto's Republic* (1964), explored the relationship between science and society, earning him the Kalinga Prize. His writings influenced public discourse on scientific ethics and the role of science in society.

### Leadership and Awards
Medawar served as president of the Royal Society and the British Association for the Advancement of Science. He received numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1960), the Copley Medal, the Royal Medal, and the Kalinga Prize. His honors reflect his profound impact on science and philosophy.

### Legacy
Peter Medawar's legacy endures through his scientific discoveries, philosophical writings, and leadership in scientific societies. His work continues to influence immunology, medicine, and the philosophy of science. As a pioneer in his field, he inspired generations of researchers and thinkers.

## References

1. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
2. datos.bne.es
3. [Peter Medawar Biographical. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1960/medawar/biographical/)
4. LIBRIS. 2005
5. BnF authorities
6. Find a Grave
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. [Award winners : Copley Medal. Royal Society](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dsunM9ukGLgaW3HdG9cvJ_QKd7pWjGI0qi_fCb1ROD4/pubhtml?gid=1336391689&single=true)
10. [Sir Peter Medawar. University of Oxford](https://www.medawar.ox.ac.uk/about/sir-peter-medawar)
11. [Source](https://www.unesco.org/en/prizes/popularization-science/laureates)
12. [Source](https://royalsociety.org/medals-and-prizes/michael-faraday-prize/)
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14. [BnF authorities](https://catalogue.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb12056068j)
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28. The Times
29. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb12056068j)
30. CONOR.SI
31. [Oxford Dictionary of National Biography](https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/40016)
32. Autoritats UB
33. Goodreads
34. [LIBRIS. 2005](https://libris.kb.se/katalogisering/64jlgjcq48c8zt2)
35. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
36. Catalogo of the National Library of India