René Dubos, born on February twentieth, nineteen oh one, was a distinguished French-American microbiologist and experimental pathologist whose contributions to science and environmentalism have left a lasting legacy. He was not only a skilled physician and agronomist but also a philosopher and non-fiction writer, demonstrating a remarkable versatility in his pursuits.
Throughout his career, Dubos was deeply committed to the intersection of human health and the environment. He is perhaps best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning work, 'So Human An Animal,' which explores the complexities of human existence and our relationship with the natural world. His famous maxim, 'Think globally, act locally,' has inspired countless individuals and organizations to consider the broader implications of their actions on the environment.
While Dubos held a brief tenure as the George Fabyan Professor of Comparative Pathology and professor of tropical medicine at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health from nineteen forty-two to nineteen forty-four, the majority of his scientific endeavors took place at The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, which later became known as The Rockefeller University. His work there solidified his reputation as a leading figure in microbiology and environmental studies.