David Evans (microbiologist) facts for kids

Sir David Gwynne Evans (born September 6, 1909 – died June 13, 1984) was a brilliant British scientist. He was a microbiologist, which means he studied tiny living things like bacteria and viruses. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a very high honor for scientists in the UK.

Sir David Gwynne Evans: A Life in Science

Growing Up and Education

David Gwynne Evans was born in a town called Atherton in Lancashire, England. His parents were both teachers. His father was a headmaster, which is the main teacher or principal of a school.

David was one of four children. His older brother, Meredith Gwynne Evans, also became a famous professor and a Fellow of the Royal Society. Another brother, A. G. Evans, became a chemistry professor. It seems science ran in their family!

David finished grammar school in 1928. He then worked for two years with the British Cotton Growers' Association. After that, he went to the University of Manchester. He studied there from 1930 to 1933. He earned a degree in physics and chemistry. He continued his studies, getting his Master of Science degree in 1934 and his Ph.D. in 1938.

His Important Career in Science

In 1940, David Evans began working at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in London. This is a very important place where scientists do medical research.

He left the NIMR in 1947 to work at the University of Manchester. There, he became a "reader" in the bacteriology department. This means he was a senior teacher and researcher.

He returned to the NIMR in 1955. He became the director of the department that set standards for biological products. In 1961, he became a professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. He taught about bacteriology and immunology, which is the study of how our bodies fight off diseases.

From 1971 to 1972, Evans was the director of the Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine. He worked hard to save its laboratory from money problems, but it was a tough challenge. In 1972, he became the director of the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control. His job was to get this important institute ready for its move to a new location in 1976.

After that, in 1976, he taught medical students at Oxford University. He worked in the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology. He retired in 1979 and moved to North Wales.

Awards and Recognition

David Evans was recognized for his amazing work. In 1960, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists in the United Kingdom.

In 1977, he received the Buchanan Medal. This award was given to him for his important work in making sure vaccines were safe and effective. He played a leading role in setting standards for vaccines.

He also received other honors. He was awarded the CBE in 1969. In 1977, he was made a knight, which means he was called "Sir David Gwynne Evans." He retired in 1979.

Sir David Gwynne Evans passed away in 1984 in Llandrillo-yn-Rhos, North Wales.

His Family Life

In 1937, David Evans married Mary Darby. They had a son and a daughter together.