Gustav Nossal facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir Gustav Nossal AC CBE FRS FAA FTSE
Nossal at the 5th World Conference of Science Journalists in 2007
Born	Gustav Victor Joseph Nossal (1931-06-04) 4 June 1931 (age 94) Bad Ischl, Austria
Alma mater	University of Sydney (BSc), University of Melbourne (PhD)
Known for	His contributions to the fields of antibody formation and immunological tolerance
Awards	Albert Einstein World Award of Science (1990)
Scientific career
Fields	Immunology
Institutions	The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne
Doctoral students	Michael F. Good

Sir Gustav Victor Joseph Nossal (born 4 June 1931) is a famous Australian scientist who was born in Austria. He is known for his important work in immunology. This is the study of how our bodies fight off sickness. He helped us understand how our bodies make "antibodies" to protect us. He also studied "immunological tolerance," which is how our body learns not to attack its own healthy cells.

Early Life and School

Gustav Nossal's family was from Vienna, Austria. He was born in a town called Bad Ischl while his mother was on holiday. In 1939, when Gustav was a young boy, his family had to leave Austria. This was because Nazi Germany had taken over Austria.

His father's grandparents were Jewish. Because of this, the Nazis considered Gustav's family Jewish. This meant they were in danger of being sent to special camps. His family moved to Australia to be safe.

When Gustav first started school in Australia, he didn't speak English. But he worked very hard! He finished high school at St Aloysius' College in 1947. He was the best student in his year.

In 1948, he started studying medicine at the University of Sydney. He graduated with top marks. When he was 26, he moved to Melbourne. He went to work at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. There, he worked with another famous scientist, Macfarlane Burnet. Gustav earned his PhD degree from the University of Melbourne in 1960.

A Career in Science

In 1965, when Gustav Nossal was 35, he became the director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. He led this important science center until 1996. At the same time, he was also a professor at the University of Melbourne.

Sir Gustav's main research was in immunology. He studied how our bodies create "antibodies." These are like tiny soldiers that fight off germs and diseases. He also researched "immunological tolerance." This is how our immune system learns to tell the difference between harmful germs and our own healthy body parts. His work helped us understand how vaccines work and how to prevent diseases.

He has written five books and over 500 scientific papers about his research.

Sir Gustav Nossal has also held many important leadership roles:

• He was the President of the world's biggest immunology group (1970-1973).
• He led the Australian Academy of Science (1994-1998).
• He advised the Prime Minister of Australia on science (1989-1998).
• He helped lead the World Health Organization's program for vaccines (1993-2002).
• He was also involved with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's program for children's vaccines (1998-2003). This program helps get important vaccines to children around the world.
• He was also involved in helping to improve relationships with Aboriginal people in Australia.

Family Life

Sir Gustav Nossal is married to Lyn. They met and got married after he finished his medical studies. They have four children and nine grandchildren.

Awards and Special Recognition

Sir Gustav Nossal has received many awards for his amazing work. Here are some of them:

• 1964 – He won the Royal Society of Victoria Medal for excellent science.
• 1967 – He became a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.
• 1970 – He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his medical research.
• 1977 – He was made a Knight by the Queen for his important work in immunology. This is why he is called "Sir Gustav."
• 1982 – He became a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a very old and respected science group in the UK.
• 1989 – He was made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). This is one of Australia's highest honors.
• 1990 – He received the Albert Einstein World Award of Science. This is a big international award for science.
• 1996 – He won the Koch Gold Medal for major advances in medical science.
• 1997 – He was named one of "Australia's Living National Treasures."
• 2000 – He was named Australian of the Year. This is a very special award given to an Australian who has made a big difference.
• 2002 – He was featured on an Australian postage stamp!
• 2007 – The Nossal Institute for Global Health at the University of Melbourne was named after him.
• 2009 – Nossal High School, a school for smart students, was named in his honor.

See also

In Spanish: Gustav Nossal para niños

• List of Australian of the Year Award recipients