Graham Selby Wilson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Graham Selby Wilson
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Credit: Wellcome Library
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| Born | September 10, 1895 |
| Died | April 5, 1987 (aged 91) |
| Resting place | Highgate Cemetery |
Sir Graham Selby Wilson (born September 10, 1895 – died April 5, 1987) was a very important scientist. He was a bacteriologist, which means he studied tiny living things like bacteria. These tiny organisms can sometimes cause diseases. Sir Graham helped us understand them better.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Graham Selby Wilson was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, a city in England. When he was young, his family moved further south.
He went to school at Epsom College. Later, he studied at King's College London and then at Charing Cross Hospital Medical School. At the medical school, he met William Whiteman Carlton Topley. Topley was a great teacher and colleague who inspired Graham Wilson from 1919 to 1941.
Starting His Career
In 1916, Graham Wilson earned his medical degree (MD). After that, he worked with the British Army in India, based in a place called Kasauli. He returned to Charing Cross Hospital in 1919.
In 1923, he moved to Manchester with his mentor, Topley. He became a lecturer in Bacteriology at the University of Manchester. He taught there from 1923 to 1927. Later, from 1930 to 1947, he became a professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Here, he taught about how studying bacteria helps keep people healthy.
Important Work and Awards
During the Second World War, Sir Graham played a key role. He became the Director of the Emergency Public Health Laboratory Service. This service was very important for public health during the war. He took over after the previous director died in an air raid.
Recognitions and Honors
Sir Graham Selby Wilson received many honors for his work.
- In 1962, he was made a knight, which is why he is called "Sir Graham."
- In 1967, he received the Buchanan Medal from the Royal Society. This is a very important award for scientific achievements.
- In 1978, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This means he was recognized as one of the top scientists in the United Kingdom.
Family Life
In 1924, Graham Wilson married Dr. Mary Joyce Ayrton. She was also a doctor. They had one son named Antony Graham Wilson. They also adopted another son.
Sir Graham Selby Wilson is buried with his wife and son in East Highgate Cemetery.
