Alain Townsend facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Professor Alain Townsend FRS FRCP
Alma mater	St Mary's Hospital National Institute for Medical Research
Awards	Canada Gairdner International Award (2000) William B. Coley Award (1989) Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine (1992)
Website	www.rdm.ox.ac.uk/people/alain-townsend
Academic career
Fields	Immunology
Institutions	University of Oxford Howard Hughes Medical Institute Linacre College University of Oxford
Thesis	Recognition by influenza virus specific cytotoxic T cell clones
Doctoral advisor	Brigitte Askonas

Alain Townsend is a famous British scientist who studies tiny living things called viruses. He is a Professor of Medicine at Oxford University in England. His work helps us understand how viruses like the influenza (flu) virus and the ebola virus affect people.

Alain Townsend's Journey in Science

After finishing his studies at St Mary's Hospital, London, Alain Townsend went to the National Institute for Medical Research. There, he focused on immunology, which is the study of how our bodies fight off sickness. He earned his PhD in 1984, guided by another scientist named Brigitte Askonas.

What is a Virologist?

A virologist is a scientist who studies viruses. Viruses are very tiny germs that can make people sick. Dr. Townsend's research helps us learn how these viruses work and how our bodies can fight them.

Understanding Immunology

Immunology is all about your immune system. This is your body's natural defense team that protects you from diseases. Dr. Townsend's work in this field helps us understand how our bodies recognize and fight off infections.

Awards and Recognitions

Alain Townsend has received several important awards for his scientific work. These awards show how much his discoveries have helped the world.

• 1989 William B. Coley Award
• 1992 He became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very special honor for top scientists in the United Kingdom.
• 1992 Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine
• 2000 Gairdner Foundation International Award