Origins & Early Life

Maurice Ralph Hilleman (August 30, 1919 – April 11, 2005) was a leading American microbiologist who specialized in vaccinology and developed over 40 vaccines, an unparalleled record of productivity. According to one estimate, his vaccines save nearly eight million lives each year. He has been described as one of the most influential vaccinologists ever. He has been called the "father of modern vaccines".

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Robert Gallo called Hilleman "the most successful vaccinologist in history". He has been described by some researchers as having saved more lives than any other scientist in the 20th century. Of the 14 vaccines routinely recommended in American vaccine schedules, Hilleman and his team developed eight: those for measles, mumps, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, chickenpox, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae bacteria. During the influenza pandemic in Southern China, his vaccine is believed to have saved hundreds of thousands of lives. He also played a key role in developing the vaccine for the Hong Kong flu, as well as roles in the discovery of antigenic shift and drift, the cold-producing adenoviruses, the hepatitis viruses, and the potentially cancer...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Akashi Motojiro — Contemporary (Died in 1919) (1919): General in the Imperial Japanese Army and Governor-General of Taiwan.
• Alfred Werner — Contemporary (Died in 1919) (1919): Pioneering Swiss chemist who established modern coordination chemistry.
• Andrew Carnegie — Contemporary (Died in 1919) (1919): Scottish-American industrialist who pioneered the American steel industry and became a major philanthropist.
• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Contemporary (Died in 2005) (2005): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances and masterful impersonation.
• Andrea Dworkin — Contemporary (Died in 2005) (2005): Radical feminist writer and activist known for analyzing pornography and patriarchal violence.
• Anne Bancroft — Contemporary (Died in 2005) (2005): Versatile American actress celebrated for her profound method acting prowess.
• Antonio da Correggio — Shared historical date (08-30 · Born) (1489): Master of the Parma School, known for sensuous, dynamic High Renaissance painting.
• Bruce McLaren — Shared historical date (08-30 · Born) (1937): Pioneering New Zealand racing driver and motorsport executive.
• Anawrahta — Shared historical date (04-11 · Died) (1077): Founder of the Pagan Empire, unifying Upper Burma and establishing Burmese national identity.
• Andrew Wiles — Shared historical date (04-11 · Born) (1953): English mathematician renowned for proving Fermat's Last Theorem.
• 1919 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1919
• August 30 (08-30) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on August 30
• 2005 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2005
• April 11 (04-11) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on April 11