Philip Handler facts for kids

Philip Handler (born August 13, 1917 – died December 29, 1981) was an American scientist. He was a nutritionist, who studies how food affects our bodies. He was also a biochemist, meaning he studied the chemical processes happening in living things.

Handler was the President of the United States National Academy of Sciences for 12 years. This is a group of top scientists who advise the nation on science and technology. He also received the National Medal of Science, a very high honor for scientists in the United States.

A Life in Science

Philip Handler grew up in New York City. He earned his first college degree from the City College of New York in 1936. Then, he got his Ph.D. (a higher degree) from the University of Illinois in 1939.

After his studies, Handler became a teacher at Duke University. He quickly became the head of the Biochemistry Department at just 35 years old. He stayed at Duke until 1969.

Leading the National Academy of Sciences

In 1969, Philip Handler became the President of the National Academy of Sciences. He held this important role for two terms, until 1981.

As president, he helped start talks between American and Soviet scientists. This led to a joint space mission in 1975, called the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. It was a big step for cooperation between the two countries.

Handler also helped create the famous statue of Albert Einstein. This statue stands at the National Academy of Sciences building in Washington, D.C.

Important Research and Public Service

As a biochemist, Handler wrote over 200 papers about nutrition and how our bodies work. He was chosen to join the National Academy of Sciences in 1964.

In 1981, he received the National Medal of Science. This award recognized his amazing work in biochemistry. His research helped us better understand a disease called pellagra. This disease is caused by not getting enough of a certain vitamin.

Handler also played a role in creating the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW). This department later became the US Department of Health and Human Services. He helped set up many important centers within the National Institutes of Health. These centers do research to improve people's health.

Philip Handler passed away in Boston in 1981 due to pneumonia. He had planned to return to Duke University. Instead, he chose to have his ashes placed at Duke University Medical Center. This was where his scientific career began.

Honors and Awards

Philip Handler received many honors during his life.

• He earned 28 honorary doctorates from different universities.
• In 1964, he became a member of the National Academy of Sciences.
• He was also a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1966.
• In 1969, he received an award for his contributions to medical sciences from the American Medical Association.
• He was given the National Medal of Science in 1981.