Peter Colman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peter Colman
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Peter Colman at the Royal Society admissions day in 2014
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Peter Malcolm Colman
3 April 1944 |
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| Thesis | The physical structure of two parabanic acid complexes and an investigation of short intermolecular carbon-oxygen contacts (1969) |
| Doctoral advisor | Harry Medlin |
Peter Malcolm Colman, born in 1944, is a very important scientist from Australia. He leads the structural biology division at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne. His work helps us understand how tiny parts of living things are built.
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Peter Colman's Schooling
Peter Colman went to the University of Adelaide in Australia. He studied physics and earned his first degree in 1966. Later, in 1969, he earned his PhD. For his PhD, he studied the tiny chemical structures of certain compounds, like building blocks.
Discovering How Life Works
Peter Colman is a structural biologist. This means he studies the 3D shapes of tiny molecules inside living things. Understanding these shapes helps scientists learn how they work.
Fighting the Flu Virus
One of Peter Colman's biggest discoveries was about the influenza (flu) virus. He figured out the 3D shape of a key part of the flu virus called neuraminidase. This part helps the virus spread.
Knowing this shape helped scientists design a medicine called zanamivir (also known as Relenza). This was one of the first medicines made by understanding a molecule's shape. It works by stopping the neuraminidase from helping the flu virus spread. His work also helped create Oseltamivir (Tamiflu).
His discoveries are very important for preparing for flu pandemics. They help countries have enough medicine ready if a new, serious flu outbreak happens.
Understanding Cell Death
Peter Colman also studies how cells die in a controlled way. This process is called apoptosis. It's a natural and important part of how our bodies stay healthy. He found out how a special protein called Bax changes its shape. This change is a key step in how cells decide to die.
Publishing Important Research
Peter Colman's work has been published in top science journals. These include Nature and the Journal of Molecular Biology. This means other scientists around the world have reviewed and approved his important findings.
Awards and Special Honours
Peter Colman has received many awards for his amazing scientific work.
- In 2017, he was given the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). This is Australia's highest award for citizens. He received it for his excellent work in medical research, especially in structural biology. He was also honored for helping turn scientific discoveries into useful products.
- In 2014, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very old and respected group of top scientists.
- In 2001, he received the Centenary Medal. This was for his service to Australian society and science.
- He is also a member of the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. These are groups that recognize leading scientists and engineers.
