Eugenia Sacerdote de Lustig

Eugenia de Lustig

Eugenia Sacerdote de Lustig (1900–2011) was an Italian Argentine physician and scientist known for her pioneering work in the field of virology and cancer research. She was one of the first scientists to introduce the use of tissue culture techniques in Argentina.

Early Life and Education

Eugenia Sacerdote de Lustig was born in Turin, Italy, in 1900. She studied medicine at the University of Turin, where she graduated in 1924. During her time at the university, she worked under the guidance of the renowned scientist Giuseppe Levi, who was also a mentor to other notable scientists such as Rita Levi-Montalcini and Salvador Luria.

Career

After completing her education, Sacerdote de Lustig moved to Argentina in 1939 due to the rise of fascism in Italy. In Argentina, she joined the University of Buenos Aires where she continued her research in virology and cancer. She was instrumental in introducing tissue culture techniques to the country, which significantly advanced the study of viruses and cancer cells.

Contributions to Virology

Sacerdote de Lustig's work in virology included research on the polio virus. She was part of the team that developed the first polio vaccine in Argentina, which played a crucial role in controlling the spread of the disease in the country.

Cancer Research

In addition to her work in virology, Sacerdote de Lustig made significant contributions to cancer research. She conducted extensive studies on the behavior of cancer cells and the effects of various treatments on these cells. Her research provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of cancer and helped in the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Legacy

Eugenia Sacerdote de Lustig's contributions to science have been widely recognized. She received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the Konex Award in 1983. Her work has had a lasting impact on the fields of virology and cancer research, and she is remembered as a pioneer in these areas.

Personal Life

Eugenia Sacerdote de Lustig was married and had two children. She lived a long and productive life, passing away in 2011 at the age of 101.

Related Pages

• Virology
• Cancer research
• Polio vaccine
• University of Buenos Aires
• Giuseppe Levi
• Rita Levi-Montalcini
• Salvador Luria