Email This PageByron Waksman ’40
Byron Waksman ’40 was recently honored by the Waksman Foundation for Microbiology with a reception at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, Mass. The occasion celebrated Waksman’s life’s work in neuroimmunology—in particular his seminal discoveries in autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis, his teaching at every level—from medical students to middle school children, and his continuing interest in the public communication of science. In his honor, the Waksman Foundation has created the Byron H. Waksman Award for Excellence in the Public Communication of Microbiology; the inaugural prize was given to the New York Hall of Science. In addition, the MBL has named a fellowship for the distinguished immunologist in its Science Journalism Program. According to his daughter Nan Waksman Schanbacher ’72, her father was surrounded by former students, distinguished colleagues, friends, and family during the reception.
