Biography:Harry Weaver (neuroscience)

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Harry Merwyn Weaver
Harry weaver.PNG
BornMarch 20, 1909
Lancaster, Ohio
DiedSeptember 12, 1977 (age 68)
San Clemente, California
NationalityAmerican
Alma materOhio State University
Known forResearch into polio immunization
Scientific career
FieldsVirologist
InstitutionsNational Foundation for Infantile Paralysis

Harry M. Weaver (March 20, 1909 – September 12, 1977)[1] was a neuroscientist and researcher who made contributions to medical research in the fields of Multiple sclerosis, and was the Director of Research at the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis when the Polio vaccine was discovered and developed by Jonas Salk. Dr. Weaver also served as the Vice President for Research at the American Cancer Society, Vice President for Research and Development at the Schering Corporation, and as the Director of Research at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.[2]

Weaver was born in Lancaster, Ohio in 1909 and died at his home in San Clemente, California, age 68.

Career, 1946 to 1977

  • Director of Research, National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, 1946 to 1953
  • Vice President for Research, American Cancer Society, 1954 to 1961
  • Vice President for Research, Schering Corporation, 1955 to 1966
  • Director of Research, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1966 to 1977

Contributions to Polio Vaccine

The polio vaccine was discovered and developed by Jonas Salk between 1952 and 1955.[3] Weaver, acting as the Director of Research at the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, now known as the March of Dimes,from 1946 to 1953, supported Salk's work with a sense of urgency for the development of the Polio vaccine.[4][5] Weaver's urgency for developing a vaccine as quickly as possible was somewhat counter to the development of the Oral polio vaccine by Albert Sabin between 1954 and 1961.[6] However, his support of Salk's vaccine was considered to be paramount to the early end of the polio epidemic

Harry Weaver Neuroscience Scholar Award

After many years of dedication to research of MS treatment and strong support for recruiting young investigators, Dr. Weaver's accomplishments were honored by the NMSS through the awarding of the Harry Weaver Neuroscience Scholar Award. This award is offered to researchers who have completed their MS training and are beginning their work in MS research. The award include salary and research funding for a period of five years and is commonly given through universities.

Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation: Award Jury Member

Harry Weaver acted a member of the Jury of the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation for the 1957 Lasker Award.

References