Eckard Wimmer

American virologist
Questions and Answers

FAQ

Q: Who is Eckard Wimmer?
A: Eckard Wimmer is a German-born virologist and molecular biologist. He is best known for his research on the emergence and control of viral diseases, particularly the poliovirus.
Q: What is Eckard Wimmer's educational background?
A: Eckard Wimmer earned his Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Munich in 1968. He then went on to conduct postdoctoral research at the University of Tübingen and the University of California, Berkeley.
Q: What are some of Eckard Wimmer's major contributions to virology?
A: Eckard Wimmer is most notable for his work in 2002, where he synthesized the complete poliovirus genome in the laboratory. This groundbreaking achievement demonstrated the potential for creating artificial viral pathogens and raised concerns about biosecurity. Wimmer's research has greatly contributed to our understanding of viral diseases and the development of antiviral drugs.
Q: Where has Eckard Wimmer worked throughout his career?
A: Eckard Wimmer has worked at several prestigious research institutions during his career. He held positions at the Max Planck Institute for Virus Research in Germany, the State University of New York at Stony Brook, and the University of California, Irvine. He is currently working as a Professor Emeritus at Stony Brook University.
Q: Has Eckard Wimmer received any awards or honors for his work?
A: Yes, Eckard Wimmer has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to virology. Some of these include the Robert Koch Prize, the Heinrich Pette Award, and the Pfizer Award in Enzyme Chemistry. He is also a member of several prestigious scientific societies, including the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.