GEORGE D. SNELL, 92
GENETICIST WON 1980 NOBEL PRIZE
Author: Associated Press
Date: SATURDAY, June 8, 1996
Page: 19
Section: Obituary
BAR HARBOR, Maine -- Nobel laureate George D. Snell, whose research into
the role of genetics in immunology paved the way for modern organ transplants,
died Thursday at his home near the Jackson Laboratory, where he conducted his
research from 1935 until his retirement in 1973. He was 92.
``He was a giant in the field,'' said Dr. Kenneth Paigen, director of the
Jackson Laboratory. ``Every modern researcher is indebted to him.''
Known as the ``father of immunogenetics,'' Dr. Snell received the 1980
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for basic research with mice which led
to better understanding of organ transplants and infectious diseases.
``Not only did his research play a critical part in our understanding of
how the immune system works, but his experimental strategies were highly
innovative for his time, adopting very novel approaches to analyzing the role
of genes in immune reactions,'' Paigen said.
A Haverhill, Mass., native, Dr. Snell taught and conducted research at
Dartmouth, Brown, the University of Texas and Washington University before
joining the Jackson Laboratory as a research assistant.
Dr. Snell, who became a senior staff scientist in 1957, was founder and
editor of the journal, Immunogenetics.
In recent years, he wrote extensively on science, philosophy and ethics,
including the book ``Search for a Rational Ethic,'' which explored the role of
science and ethics in shaping modern society.
Earlier this year, Dr. Snell received a citation from the Maine
Legislature. Gov. Angus King recognized his achievements by proclaiming March
14-21 as ``Dr. George D. Snell Week.''
He leaves two sons, Thomas and Roy, and five grandchildren.
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