Dora Lush

Dora Lush (1910 – 1943) was an Australian medical researcher and bacteriologist who made significant contributions to the understanding of infectious diseases, particularly Salmonella and Streptococcus.

Born in Victoria, Australia, Lush graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Melbourne in 1931 and a Master of Science degree in 1933. She began her research career at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne, working under Sir Macfarlane Burnet.

During her time at the Hall Institute, Lush conducted important research into the epidemiology and immunology of bacterial infections. Her work focused on developing improved methods for isolating and identifying different strains of bacteria, as well as studying the mechanisms by which the body defends itself against infection. She also made contributions to the development of vaccines against certain bacterial diseases.

Tragically, Dora Lush died in 1943 at the age of 33 after contracting scrub typhus (tsutsugamushi disease) while conducting laboratory research. Her untimely death cut short a promising career and represented a significant loss to the Australian scientific community. Despite her relatively short career, Lush left a lasting legacy through her contributions to medical research and her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. Her work helped to pave the way for further advances in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.