Charles Kellaway

Charles Kellaway. Photograph. Wellcome V0026627

Charles Halliley Kellaway (1889–1952) was an Australian medical researcher and administrator known for his significant contributions to the field of immunology and toxicology. He served as the director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) in Melbourne, where he played a pivotal role in advancing medical research in Australia.

Early Life and Education

Charles Kellaway was born on 16 November 1889 in Melbourne, Victoria. He attended Melbourne Grammar School and later studied medicine at the University of Melbourne, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 1914.

Career

After completing his medical degree, Kellaway served as a medical officer in the Australian Army Medical Corps during World War I. Following the war, he pursued further studies in London, where he worked with prominent scientists and developed an interest in immunology and toxicology.

In 1923, Kellaway was appointed as the director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. Under his leadership, the institute expanded its research activities and gained international recognition. Kellaway's research focused on the mechanisms of anaphylaxis and the effects of venoms, particularly those of Australian snakes.

Contributions to Medical Research

Kellaway made several notable contributions to medical science, including:

• The study of the physiological effects of snake venoms and the development of antivenoms.
• Research on the mechanisms of anaphylaxis and allergic reactions.
• Advancements in the understanding of the immune system and its responses to various toxins.

His work laid the foundation for future research in these areas and had a lasting impact on the field of medical research in Australia and beyond.

Later Life and Legacy

Kellaway retired from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in 1944 but continued to be active in the scientific community. He passed away on 13 December 1952. His legacy is remembered through his contributions to medical research and the advancements made under his leadership at the WEHI.

See Also

• Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
• Immunology
• Toxicology
• Anaphylaxis
• Venom