Frank Macfarlane Burnet

Biography

Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet (1899-1985) was an Australian virologist and immunologist whose groundbreaking research changed how we understand the immune system and viral diseases. Born in Traralgon, Victoria, he studied medicine at the University of Melbourne, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1924, followed by a PhD from the University of London in 1928. Most of his career was at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne, where he led pioneering research and was director from 1944 to 1965.

Burnet's most significant scientific contribution was developing the clonal selection theory, which explained how the immune system identifies and reacts to foreign substances. This work, along with his research on acquired immune tolerance, earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1960, shared with Sir Peter Medawar. His theory helped understand how lymphocytes develop specificity for certain antigens and how immunological memory forms.

In virology, Burnet made important discoveries that advanced science and public health. He identified the causes of Q-fever and psittacosis, two serious infectious diseases. His work with the influenza virus was particularly impactful, as he developed methods for isolating, culturing, and detecting viruses and described how different influenza strains could recombine. Modern influenza vaccine production still uses techniques Burnet developed for growing viruses in hen's eggs. He also showed that the myxomatosis virus, used to control rabbit populations in Australia, was not harmful to humans.

Apart from his research, Burnet influenced Australian science policy and institutions. He was one of the founders of the Australian Academy of Science and served as its president from 1965 to 1969. After retiring from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in 1965, he continued his work at the University of Melbourne until 1978. His influence reached internationally through many publications, honorary roles, and collaborations with researchers worldwide. Burnet was widely recognized for his contributions, including being named the first Australian of the Year in 1960 and receiving prestigious awards like the Lasker Award, Royal Medal, and Copley Medal.