Like father, like son.
Microbiology and Immunology Professor Emeritus Robert Murray followed in his father Everitt Murray’s footsteps in his career as a distinguished microbiologist. A recently launched book follows the personal and scientific achievements of the father and son.
The career of University of Western Ontario Professor Emeritus Robert Murray and his father, Everitt, both distinguished microbiologists, is documented in a new book published by The Champlain Society of Canada.
A book launch was held on Feb. 2 at Western for The Meaning of Life: The Scientific and Social Experiences of Everitt and Robert Murray, 1930-1964.
The pair had a significant influence on the development of the scientific field. Everitt Murray was a professor at McGill University and his son, Robert, continues to contribute to the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Western.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Robert also assumed a leading role in scientific medical associations and received many scientific honours, including the Flavelle Medal of the Royal Society, which was awarded to Everitt in 1953 and to Robert in 1984.
The story of these two men is told using detailed correspondence between the father and son, shedding light on major research trends in the life sciences that occurred during the period of 1930-1964, issues affecting Canadian public health and the relationship between university scientists and the state, both in peace and in war.
As a researcher in the early twentieth century, Everitt began working at a time when microbiology was starting to emerge as a distinct research field.
By comparison, Robert benefitted from the post-1945 explosion in biological research, characterized by interdisciplinary co-operation, particularly in DNA-related studies, and substantial financial support from governments and foundations.
The book also shares the experiences of the Murray family, covering more than three generations and spanning three different countries, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
The book was edited by Donald Avery and Mark Eaton.