Australian scientist Frank John Fenner is one of the most distinguished names in the field of virology across the globe. Bestowed with several prestigious honors including Companion of the Order of Australia, Member of the Order of British Empire and Companion of the Order of the St Michael and St George, he dedicated his life to the eradication of communicable diseases. Born in Ballarat, he attained a degree in medical science from University of Adelaide. Later, he was drafted into the Australian Army Medical Corps where he worked as a physician, pathologist and malariologist. He is remembered for his two great achievements: (1) Overseeing the eardication of smallpox, (2) Control of Australia's rabbit plague through the introduction of Myxoma virus. In his honour, the Australian Academy of Science awards annually the prestigious Fenner Medal for distinguished research in biology by a scientist under 40 years of age.
