Harry Smith (microbiologist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harry Smith
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| Born | 7 August 1921 |
| Died | 10 December 2011 (aged 90) |
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Harry Smith (born August 7, 1921 – died December 10, 2011) was a famous British microbiologist. A microbiologist is a scientist who studies tiny living things like bacteria and viruses. He was also a Professor of Microbiology at the University of Birmingham.
Life of a Scientist
Harry Smith was born in Northampton, England. His father was a bookmaker. Harry went to Northampton Grammar School and then studied pharmacy at University College Nottingham. He finished his degree in 1942.
During World War II, he worked at a company called Boots UK. There, he helped make important medicines. He also earned a science degree in Chemistry from the University of London.
In 1945, Harry became an assistant professor at University College. He earned his PhD in biochemistry for his successful research. In 1947, he started working as a researcher at the Microbiological Research Establishment in Porton Down.
At Porton Down, he studied how anthrax infections work. Anthrax is a serious disease caused by bacteria. His research helped scientists understand diseases better and find ways to protect people.
From 1965 to 1988, he was the head of Microbiology at the University of Birmingham. After that, he became an Emeritus Professor, which means he was a retired professor who still kept his title.
Awards and Special Honours
Harry Smith was a very respected scientist. He was the president of the Society for General Microbiology, which is now called the Microbiology Society. He also led the 14th International Congress of Microbiology.
In 1979, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honour for scientists in the United Kingdom. In 1991, he gave the famous Leeuwenhoek Lecture. He spoke about how the body affects the tiny microbes that cause diseases.
In 1993, Queen Elizabeth II honoured Harry Smith. He was made a Commander of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE). This award was for his important work with the Ministry of Defence.
Harry's Family
In 1947, Harry Smith married Janet Holmes. They had a son and a daughter together.
Remembering Harry Smith
The Institute of Microbiology & Infection at the University of Birmingham holds a special event every year. It's called the Harry Smith Memorial Lecture. A top scientist or expert in microbiology gives a speech to honour Harry Smith's amazing contributions.
Some of the famous people who have given this lecture include Dame Sally Davies, Professor David Holden, Professor Pascale Cossart, Arturo Casadevall, Liz Sockett, Mihai Netea, Bonnie Bassler, and Gordon Dougan.
