Biotech Spotlight: Maurice Hilleman and Vaccine Development

Maurice Hilleman was born in 1919 in Miles City, Montana, and was raised on his aunt and uncle’s chicken farm. Hilleman attributed much of his career success to his childhood working with chickens because chicken eggs formed the foundation for many of his innovative vaccines.

Hilleman double majored in chemistry and microbiology and graduated first in his class in 1941 from Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. He earned his doctoral degree in microbiology in 1944 from the University of Chicago. Today, Montana State University honors Hilleman through its Hilleman Scholars Program designed for Montana residents who display significant academic, leadership, and career potential.

Often described as the most successful vaccinologist in history, Hilleman created the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine and developed over 40 life-saving vaccines. Hilleman and his team also developed eight of the 14 routine vaccines recommended in American vaccine schedules. In his 2005 New York Times obituary, Hilleman is credited with saving more lives than any other scientist in the 20th century.

Despite his great success, Hilleman kept a humble attitude and unshakeable Montana work ethic. Throughout his life, Hilleman received a stream of awards, including the National Medal of Science (the United States’ highest scientific honor), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Health Organization.

Watch the video below to learn more about Hilleman and his contributions to modern-day medicine.

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