Table of Contents

Introduction 1 The Swedish Effect 9 The Science Culture 26 This Scientific Life 57 A Science Story 94 Personal Discoveries and New Commitments 140 The Next American Century? 159 Science and Religion 189 Discovering the Future 215 How to Win a Nobel Prize 238 Appendix 1 256 Appendix 2 263 Abbreviations 280 Index 286

Promotional Information

Peter Doherty recounts his unlikely path to becoming a Nobel Laureate, revealing how his nonconformist upbringing, sense of being an outsider, and search for a different perspective have shaped his life and work. Beginning with his humble origins in Australia, Doherty shares his early interests and describes his award-winning, influential work with Rolf Zinkernagel on T-cells and the nature of immune defense. In prose that is amusing and astute, Doherty offers a rare insider's look at the realities of being a research scientist. He lucidly explains his own scientific work and the selection, funding, and organization of research projects; the major problems science hopes to solve; and the rewards of a career in scientific research. For Doherty, science plays an important role in improving the world, and he argues that scientists need to do a better job of making their work more accessible to the public. He concludes with tips on how to win a Nobel Prize, including advice on being persistent, generous, and culturally aware.

About the Author

Peter C. Doherty was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1996. He is currently operating active research programs at both St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and the University of Melbourne.

Reviews

"A highly readable introduction to the modern world of scientific research." -- Mary Powers, Commercialappeal.com "Important to any aspiring scientist." -- Bookwatch "A charmingly homely account of his own unlikely path toward this pinnacle." -- Margaret Wertheim, Los Angeles Times " The Beginner's Guide to Winning the Nobel Prize is an interesting and useful read for up-and-coming scientists." -- The Journal of the American Medical Association