Jackson Lab Emeritus Scientist Honored with Prestigious Australian “Centenary Medal”

Date: June 27, 2003

In a recent announcement by the Prime Minister of Australia, Australian-born Jackson Laboratory scientist emeritus Wesley Kingston Whitten, Ph.D., was named as a recipient of the Centenary Medal for his service to science in agriculture and biodiversity. This most prestigious award is given to those who have contributed to the betterment of Australian society during the first 100 years of Federation, and to those who continue to extend their contribution into the next century.

Jackson Laboratory reproductive biologist Dr. John Eppig describes Dr. Whitten as "one of the pioneers in the field of reproductive biology."

"His major contribution is an understanding of the unique metabolic properties of mammalian embryos, findings that were crucial for the development of the early stage mammalian embryos in test tubes," says Dr. Eppig. "These findings were the foundation for modern day methods that make human in vitro fertilization possible. It was his great powers of observation, intellectual curiosity, infatuation with the wonders of nature, and attention to detail that enabled him to succeed where others had failed."

After graduating with honors from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, Dr. Whitten served as a captain in the Australian Army Veterinary Corps, joined the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), and then became a faculty member of the Australian National University. He was invited to join The Jackson Laboratory in 1966 after gaining international recognition for his contributions to science. He spent the following 16 years at the Bar Harbor facility, becoming the associate director for research.

In collaboration with Laboratory colleagues, Dr. Whitten developed a medium for in vitro fertilization known today as Whitten's Medium. He is also responsible for identifying the influence of pheromones on mouse reproduction - a discovery known as the Whitten Effect.

Contact(s): Joyce Peterson, 207-288-6051, joyce.peterson@jax.org

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