Percy Wragg Brian facts for kids

Percy Wragg Brian (born September 5, 1910 – died August 17, 1979) was a British scientist. He studied plants (a botanist) and fungi (a mycologist). He was very important in understanding plant diseases and finding natural medicines. These medicines, called antibiotics, came from fungi. Some of his key discoveries include Gibberellin and Griseofulvin.

Early Life and Education

Percy Wragg Brian was born in Hall Green, a part of Yardley. His father, Percy Brian, was a schoolteacher. Percy Brian went to King Edward's School, Birmingham for his early education.

He later studied at King's College, Cambridge. He finished his first degree in 1931. He continued his studies and earned a PhD in 1936. This is a high-level university degree. In 1951, he received another advanced degree, a Doctor of Science (DSc). Later, in 1968, he became a Fellow of Queens' College, Cambridge. This means he was a respected member of the college.

Working as a Scientist

Percy Brian started his career in 1934. He worked at the Long Ashton Research Station as an assistant mycologist. This means he helped study fungi.

In 1936, he joined ICI. This was a large chemical company. He worked at their Jealott's Hill facility. Later, he moved to their Butterwick Research Laboratories. There, he became a mycologist. In 1946, he was promoted to lead the Microbiology department. He stayed in this role until 1961.

Discovering New Medicines

While at ICI, Percy Brian and his team made important discoveries. In 1962, they found new antibiotics. These special medicines were produced by fungi. Antibiotics are very important for fighting infections.

University Roles and Honors

In 1962, Percy Brian became a professor at the University of Glasgow. He held the important title of Regius Chair of Botany. He taught and researched there for six years.

In 1968, he moved back to Cambridge. He became the head of the Botany School at University of Cambridge.

Recognized for His Work

Percy Brian received many honors for his scientific contributions.

• In 1958, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists in the UK.
• In 1964, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

He also led several important scientific groups:

• He was President of the British Mycological Society twice (1959 and 1965).
• He led the Association of Applied Biologists in 1961.
• He was President of the Society of General Microbiology from 1965 to 1968.

Family Life

Percy Brian was married twice. His first marriage was to Iris Hunt in 1934. He later married Meg Gilling in 1948. His younger brother, Michael Vaughan Brian, was also a scientist. Michael studied insects, especially ants.