Professor Ruth Bishop AC led a team of researchers to the landmark discovery of rotavirus in 1973, a major breakthrough in tackling one of the most significant causes of infant mortality worldwide. The team’s discovery kick-started the successful 30-year endeavour to develop a rotavirus vaccine.
In 2019, the Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security established an annual health security address, named in honour of the Australian scientist and microbiologist for her leadership and dedication to science and global health.
On 22 November 2022, the Centre held an In Memoriam address by University of Melbourne's Professor Graeme Barnes and Professor Julie Bines following Ruth Bishop’s passing earlier this year. Ruth's brother David Langford also spoke, on behalf of the family.
You can listen to the event via the Contain This podcast in the player below. Or you can download the transcript and slides.
Reflections from the event
Vale Ruth, a great scientist, inspiring mentor and leader, and wonderful human being. Jim Buttery, Murdoch Childrens’ Research Institute
As a fellow virologist, I am only too aware of the positive impact that Ruth made to our community. Not only the science, which has had an enormous global health impact, but also in her mentoring of young scientists and her ongoing legacy as a role model in our discipline. She will, and is, sorely missed amongst our community. Professor Paul Young, University of Queensland
Thank you very much, I am very honoured to collaborate with the team and thank you so much Professor Bishop for her legacy and we are going continue her work with all Australian scientists, especially with Prof Julie Bines and team. Jarir At Thobari, Universitas Gadjah Madah
Thank you, Ruth, for your ongoing inspiration to women in science. Your life's work was impressive to say the least and is clearly making a huge positive health impact in countries where it's needed most. Annalise Wrzeczycki, Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society