René Dubos

René Dubos

René Jules Dubos (February 20, 1901 – February 20, 1982) was a French-American microbiologist, environmentalist, and author. He is best known for his pioneering work in antibiotics and for coining the phrase "Think globally, act locally." Dubos's research significantly contributed to the understanding of the relationship between humans and their environment.

Early Life and Education

René Dubos was born in Saint-Brice-sous-Forêt, France. He studied at the Institut National Agronomique, where he earned a degree in agricultural engineering. Dubos later moved to the United States to pursue further studies at Rutgers University, where he worked under the guidance of Selman Waksman, a prominent microbiologist.

Career and Research

Dubos's early research focused on soil microbiology and the discovery of antibiotics. In 1939, he isolated gramicidin, one of the first commercially produced antibiotics, from the bacterium Bacillus brevis. This discovery was a significant milestone in the field of microbiology and paved the way for the development of other antibiotics.

Environmentalism

In addition to his work in microbiology, Dubos was a passionate environmentalist. He was an early advocate for the idea that human health is closely linked to the health of the environment. His book, So Human an Animal (1968), won the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction and highlighted the interconnectedness of human and environmental health.

Think Globally, Act Locally

Dubos is often credited with popularizing the phrase "Think globally, act locally," which emphasizes the importance of considering the global impact of local actions. This concept has become a foundational principle in the field of environmentalism and is widely used in discussions about sustainability and conservation.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Dubos received numerous awards and honors, including the Pulitzer Prize, the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research, and membership in the National Academy of Sciences. He was also a founding member of the Environmental Defense Fund.

Legacy

René Dubos's work has had a lasting impact on both microbiology and environmental science. His contributions to the development of antibiotics have saved countless lives, and his environmental advocacy has inspired generations of scientists and activists.

Related Pages

• Antibiotics
• Microbiology
• Environmentalism
• Sustainability
• Conservation
• Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction
• National Academy of Sciences
• Environmental Defense Fund