Donald Metcalf AC. 26 February 1929 — 15 December 2014

Abstract

Donald Metcalf was one of Australia's most distinguished medical researchers and is acknowledged internationally as the father of the modern field of haemopoietic growth factors. He defined the hierarchy of haemopoietic progenitor cells, purified and cloned the major molecular regulators of their growth and maturation, determined their mechanisms of action and participated in their development for clinical use in cancer patients. He received numerous awards and distinctions during his career, but was most pleased by the fact that his life's work improved human health.