Christopher Andrewes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Christopher Howard Andrewes
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| Born | 7 June 1896 |
| Died | 31 December 1988 (aged 92) |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | St Bartholomew's Hospital |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Virology |
| Institutions | National Institute for Medical Research |
Sir Christopher Howard Andrewes (born June 7, 1896 – died December 31, 1988) was a British scientist who studied viruses. He is famous for discovering the human influenza A virus in 1933, which causes the flu.
Becoming a Scientist
Sir Christopher Andrewes went to Highgate School when he was younger. Later, he studied medicine at St Bartholomew's Hospital, preparing for a career in healthcare.
His Work with Viruses
During World War I, Andrewes worked as a surgeon in the Royal Navy. After the war, in 1927, he joined the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR). There, he helped another scientist, Patrick Laidlaw, create a vaccine for canine distemper, a disease that affects dogs.
This work led him to study the flu. In 1933, he made a huge discovery: he found the virus that causes human influenza. This was a big step towards understanding and fighting the flu.
From 1939 to 1961, Andrewes was in charge of the Bacteriology and Virus Research section at NIMR. During this time, he started two important centers:
- In 1947, he opened the Common Cold Research Unit near Salisbury. This unit focused on studying the common cold.
- In 1948, he set up the World Influenza Centre in Mill Hill. This center helped create a global network of places working together to track and fight the flu.
Sir Christopher Andrewes was also the deputy director of NIMR from 1952 to 1961. He retired from his work in 1967.
Recognitions and Awards
Sir Christopher Andrewes received many honors for his important scientific work:
- 1939: He was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society, a group of top scientists. He also served on their council from 1945 to 1947.
- 1947: He received the Bisset Hawkins Medal from the Royal College of Physicians.
- 1955: He was elected to the American Philosophical Society, an old and respected group that promotes useful knowledge.
- 1961: He was made a Knight Bachelor, which means he received the title "Sir."
- 1964: He was elected to the United States National Academy of Sciences.
- 1965: He received the Marjory Stephenson Prize from the Society for General Microbiology.
- 1979: He was awarded the Robert Koch Gold Medal, a very high honor in microbiology.
Family Life
In 1927, Christopher Andrewes married Kathleen Lamb. They had three sons. Two of their sons grew up to become general practitioners, which are doctors who provide basic medical care.
