Professor Frank Fenner CMG MBE AC

Microbiologist and author

2006 ACT Senior Australian of the Year

Professor Fenner could have retired in 1979 after a highly distinguished career as a microbiologist and world renowned expert on poxviruses. Instead, as a visiting fellow in the John Curtin School of Medical Research, he continues to work on yet another book and sponsoring yet another science conference. After graduating in 1938 from the University of Adelaide, he began a remarkable career that saw him publish some 300 scientific papers and edit, write or co-author nearly twenty books. He has served on many international bodies in the quest to eradicate the world of infectious diseases, and continues to take a very active role in environmental and science ethics issues. Frank remains an inspirational role model for people even half his age.