Selman Waksman

Selman Waksman was a Ukrainian-American microbiologist known for his groundbreaking research in antibiotics. He discovered streptomycin, the first effective treatment for tuberculosis, which significantly advanced medicine. His work isolated antibiotics from soil microorganisms, leading to the development of many other important drugs. Waksman's contributions earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1952. As a key figure in the field of antibiotics, he greatly influenced public health and shaped our understanding of microbial interactions, emphasizing the vital role of nature’s microorganisms in combating infectious diseases.