New History of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases (eBook)

A New History of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases: Immunization - Chance and Necessity covers the developments of vaccines and how they have obliterated many fatal diseases and infections over time. The book treads a neutral path but does not avoid discussion. As uncertainty in the outcome of vaccination can only be determined by experiment, the path to vaccine development has been scientifically complex because the immune system and the manner in which humans respond to infection is variable and complex.  Finally, the book describes the risks and benefits of vaccines in a visibly objective manner.

• Gives an objective description of the science behind vaccine discovery
• Presents awareness and discussions on controversies, both past and present
• Provides historical context to the scientific aspects of immunization, including what worked, what didn't, and why
• Written by a scientist with no 'vested interest' in vaccine development
• Clears up many misunderstandings for today's vaccination policies

Educated at University of Oxford (MSc, MA, DPhil). Lectureship in Molecular Biophysics at Oxford and Student of Christ Church (1980-90). Professor of Biochemistry and Head of School of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath (1990-97). Emeritus Professorship, University of Bath, 2003. Doctor of Science Honoris Causa, University of Bath, 2009. Academic research career in receptor biology and molecular immunology spanning >30 years. Co-founded (1989) Oxford University spin-out, Oxford Molecular plc, with flotation on LSE 1994; Visiting Professor CNRS, Montpellier 1997-8, and senior executive positions in French and Swedish biotech companies 1998-2010. Founding Board member and advisor of the Austrian antibody biotech company F-star, 2006-2011. Currently consultant in immunology to pharmaceutical companies. Strong interest in antibody repertoire theory. Member American Association for the History of Medicine. Books (excluding contributions to multi-author books or books as Editor/co-Editor): Molecular Biology at-a-Glance, Blackwell Scientific Publications, 1984 (with MJE Sternberg); The Antibody Molecule: from Antitoxins to Therapeutic Antibodies, single author book, OUP Medical Histories Series, 2014. Interests: Napoleon and Wellington book collection, classical music (violinist), and cooking.

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A New History of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases: Immunization - Chance and Necessity covers the developments of vaccines and how they have obliterated many fatal diseases and infections over time. The book treads a neutral path but does not avoid discussion. As uncertainty in the outcome of vaccination can only be determined by experiment, the path to vaccine development has been scientifically complex because the immune system and the manner in which humans respond to infection is variable and complex. Finally, the book describes the risks and benefits of vaccines in a visibly objective manner. 2023 PROSE Awards - Winner: Finalist: History of Science, Medicine, and Technology: Association of American Publishers Gives an objective description of the science behind vaccine discovery Presents awareness and discussions on controversies, both past and present Provides historical context to the scientific aspects of immunization, including what worked, what didn't, and why Written by a scientist with no 'vested interest' in vaccine development Clears up many misunderstandings for today's vaccination policies