Kenneth Smith, Director of the Agricultural Research Council Virus Research Unit, Cambridge (1939-59), had an immense influence in the establishment of virology, by pioneering the research of both plant and insect viruses, as well as by his writing. He was universally respected for his ability and devotion to his science and his unquenchable spirit. His research on plant viruses started in 1927 with his appointment at the Potato Virus Research Station, Cambridge, and then 30 years later he changed his line of research to include virus diseases of insects. He continued this line, first in England until past his retirement, and then at the age of 70 he moved to the U.S.A. and continued for another 7 years doing what he once described as ‘The best research of my life’. As he was an entomologist by training and had a good knowledge of botany, he was able to investigate both plant and insect viruses, although with the former the emphasis was mainly on insect vectors, and it was in this field that he made his more important discoveries. He was a naturalist as a boy and he was to continue this approach as a scientist. Although he was less of a modern day analytical scientist he unravelled many intricate biological problems with the limited means at his disposal. What characterizes him and his work are his ceaseless activity and perseverance, over a period of more than half a century, in pursuing his only interest, that of advancing virology. Part of this interest was writing books and review articles; he was very concerned with the popularization of his science and the future of virus research in the U.K. His books influenced many to take up research in viruses, including myself.
Kenneth Manley Smith, 13 November 1892 - 11 June 1981
