Rene Dubos

Ren Jules Dubos (1901-1982), was a French-born American microbiologist, experimental pathologist, environmentalist, humanist, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author who exemplified qualities of the modern Renaissance person. He devoted most of his professional life to the empirical study of microbial diseases and to the analysis of the environmental and social factors that affect the welfare of humans. His pioneering research in isolating antibacterial substances from certain soil microorganisms led to the discovery of major antibiotics. He performed groundbreaking research and wrote extensively on a number of subjects, including: tuberculosis, pneumonia, and the mechanisms of acquired immunity, natural susceptibility, and resistance to infection.