Gajdusek, D. Carleton (1923–2008)
D. Carleton Gajdusek, M.D., was a pediatrician, virologist, and chemist whose research focused on growth, development, and disease in primitive and isolated populations.
Gajdusek was a co-winner of a 1976 Nobel Prize for his work on kuru, the first human prion disease demonstrated to be infectious. He connected the spread of kuru to the practice of funerary cannibalism by the South Fore people. Dr. Gajdusek received numerous awards throughout his career and was elected to the National Academy of Science in 1974.
In 1997, his scientific career was tarnished by accusations of sexual impropriety with a minor. Gadjusek pleaded guilty and spent 12 months in a U.S. prison. He then moved to Europe, where he continued his research at a number of universities.