Vignette 36: Life-changing bacterial research

Nancy Atkinson (1910–1999) OBE was a health innovator whose work at the University established her as a leading authority in the field. She made significant contributions to medical progress, particularly in the production of penicillin and the study of Salmonella bacteria.

In 1939, Atkinson joined the University as a Lecturer in Bacteriology, quickly ascending to Head of Department in 1942. Her early research at the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science (IMVS) involved the development of the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine to combat tuberculosis.

During the Second World War, Atkinson spearheaded research at the IMVS to combat infectious diseases, where she became the first person in Australia to produce penicillin. 

Atkinson established and ran the Salmonella Reference Laboratory at the University and discovered a new strain named Salmonella Adelaide in 1943. This research underscored her global significance in bacteriology research.

Atkinson founded the Australian Society for Microbiology in 1959. For her revolutionary work in bacteriology, she received the Order of the British Empire OBE in 1951 and was conferred a Doctor of Science degree in 1957 by the University.

The University of Adelaide: 150 Years of Making History.  Nurturing excellence. p.56