History of the Department of Microbiology & Immunology
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHT
In the Beginning, There Were Microbes
The foundation and early history of the department of Microbiology & Immunology
The Department of Microbiology & Immunology currently occupies 36,000 square feet on four floors of the Hammer Health Sciences Center at Columbia University Medical Center, with faculty occupying additional space in the Russ Berrie Medical Science Pavilion, Black Building and Irving Comprehensive Research Center. Yet, the historical origins of the department can be traced to a corner of a single, poorly lit pathology laboratory, located between a harness shop and an ice cream parlor.
HISTORICAL FACULTY HIGHLIGHT
The Reclusive Revolutionary:
Dr. Elvin Kabat and His Legacy
From both the bench and beyond, Dr. Elvin Kabat had an immeasurable impact, leaving behind a legacy that remains with us to this day
Dr. Elvin A. Kabat, one of the founding fathers of modern immunochemistry, was a respected and beloved member of the faculty in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology for over half a century. In addition to his remarkable contributions to immunology, including over 470 publications and several leading textbooks, Kabat was an outstanding teacher and mentor, whose students, including Nobel Laureate Baruj Benacerraf, went on to make outstanding contributions to the field. The extent of Kabat’s contributions are astounding, particularly considering the unexpected challenges his career faced.
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHT
Innovation and Invention
Inspiration from Past Innovators to the Innovators of Tomorrow
In recent years, “technology transfer” has become a major goal of academic institutions. The activities that compromise technology transfer, such as filing of patents, enforcement of licensing rights, and fostering of start-up companies, were traditionally activities based in the commercial sphere…researchers in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology have proven to be pioneers in the technology transfer sphere at Columbia University, claiming two of the most successful sets of patents in Columbia’s history.
HISTORICAL FACULTY HIGHLIGHT
Dr. Harry M. Rose and His Legacy
The Harry M. Rose Memorial Lecture was established to honor Dr. Rose for his contributions to scientific research, medicine, and education
On July 1, 1975, the University Trustees of Columbia bestowed upon Dr. Harry M. Rose, former Chair of the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, the distinction of John E. Borne Professor Emeritus of Medical and Surgical Research, stating, “...you are officially a permanent member of the Columbia community, even though in retirement.” Dr. Rose spent more than half of his life in the service of Columbia University, and he is fondly remembered for his exceptional teaching, excellence in research, and important contributions to clinical medicine.
HISTORICAL FACULTY HIGHLIGHT
The Quiet Pioneer: Dr. Harold S. Ginsberg and His Legacy
He was one of the founding fathers of modern virology and microbiology. His discoveries involving the genetics of adenoviruses paved the way for the development of gene therapy.
Dr. Harold S. Ginsberg, former Chair of the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, became widely known as a groundbreaking and pioneering virologist best known for his work with adenoviruses. In retrospect, he demonstrated the same keen insight that led to his later successes at the very start of his career.