Ruth Bishop

Ruth Frances Bishop

Ruth Bishop, Australian virologist

Born	12 May 1933
Birth place	Melbourne, Australia
Nationality	Australian
Known for	Discovery of rotavirus
Awards	Order of Australia, Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award

Ruth Frances Bishop (born 12 May 1933) is an Australian virologist renowned for her groundbreaking work in the discovery of the rotavirus, a major cause of severe gastroenteritis in children worldwide. Her research has had a profound impact on public health, leading to the development of vaccines that have saved countless lives.

Early Life and Education

Ruth Bishop was born in Melbourne, Australia. She pursued her undergraduate studies in microbiology at the University of Melbourne, where she developed a keen interest in virology. She later completed her PhD in the same field, focusing on viral infections in children.

Career and Research

Bishop began her career at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, where she worked as a research scientist. In the early 1970s, she led a team that identified a previously unknown virus in the intestinal tissue of children suffering from acute gastroenteritis. This virus was later named "rotavirus" due to its wheel-like appearance under the electron microscope.

Discovery of Rotavirus

The discovery of rotavirus was a significant milestone in medical research. Prior to this, the cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children was largely unknown. Bishop's work provided the foundation for understanding the epidemiology and pathogenesis of rotavirus infections.

Impact on Public Health

Following the discovery, Bishop's research contributed to the development of rotavirus vaccines, which have been instrumental in reducing the incidence of rotavirus-related hospitalizations and deaths globally. Her work has been recognized as a major advancement in pediatric infectious disease prevention.

Awards and Recognition

Ruth Bishop has received numerous accolades for her contributions to science and public health. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in recognition of her service to medical research. In 2013, she was awarded the prestigious Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award for her role in the discovery of rotavirus.

Legacy

Bishop's pioneering research has left a lasting legacy in the field of virology and public health. Her work continues to inspire new generations of scientists and healthcare professionals dedicated to combating infectious diseases.

Also see

• Virology
• Gastroenteritis
• Rotavirus vaccine
• Royal Children's Hospital
• Order of Australia