A native of New Zealand, Webster joined St. Jude in 1968 and holds the Rose Marie Thomas Chair in Infectious Diseases. St. Jude is home to the only World Health Organization collaborating center focusing on the transmission of animal influenza viruses to humans. The hospital also hosts one of six Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, a part of the National Institutes of Health.

Webster has received numerous honors throughout his career, including election to the Royal Society, London; the Royal Society of New Zealand; and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.  

"The Leeuwenhoek Lecture is a well-deserved acknowledgement for Dr. Webster, whose life's work has greatly progressed influenza research worldwide," said Dr. William E. Evans, St. Jude director and CEO. "The Royal Society honor is a reflection of an esteemed career that has provided significant advancements to the field of virology."

SOURCE St. Jude Children's Research Hospital