Thomas Weller

Thomas Weller was a renowned scientist who made groundbreaking contributions to virology, especially in understanding how viruses infect humans. In 1954, he co-discovered the poliovirus's ability to infect nerve cells, which was crucial for developing polio vaccines. His research also helped identify the first human virus grown in laboratory conditions and advanced knowledge about viruses like herpes and chickenpox. Weller's work laid important foundations for vaccine development and the study of infectious diseases, earning him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1954. His contributions significantly improved public health by enabling effective vaccines against serious viral illnesses.