Holmes, Margaret Cooper (1921 - 2016)

Summary

Margaret Holmes was an immunologist who was for many years on the staff of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. Initially a laboratory assistant, her role included everything from buying cakes for morning tea to driving Frank Burnet. After her PhD studies in immunology, and several years studying and travelling in the United Kingdom and Europe, Holmes returned to Melbourne. She rejoined the Institute in 1958 in the dual role of research associate to Burnet and officer in charge of technical staff. Her immunology research led to the identification that genetic predispositions can underlie the development of autoimmunity. She also became expert in animal breeding and care (particularly laboratory mice), including the maintenance of germ-free and pathogen-free status. For this she gained recognition in Australia and internationally. She took a major role in the design and construction of the Institute's animal breeding facilities at the Clive and Vera Ramaciotti Laboratories at Kew. In the 1970s Holmes became General Manager of the Institute, responsible for the selection, training and supervision of laboratory technical staff and the development of Laboratory Animal Services. She described her role as managing the technical staff, managing building projects, and managing the animals. After retirement in 1986, she helped scientists in China establish a mouse breeding capability. The Margaret Holmes Emerging Leader prize is awarded annually by the Institute in recognition of younger staff who have made significant contributions to the Institute, and have demonstrated the potential for leadership and continuing service

Details

Chronology

1938 - 1942

Career position - Laboratory Assistant, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute

1948

Award - Scholarship to study in the United Kingdom

1948

Education - PhD, University of Melbourne

1953

Life event - Returned to Melbourne

1953 - 1958

Career position - Laboratory Assistant, Fairfield Hospital

1958 - 1986

Career position - Research Associate to Frank Burnet and officer in charge of technical staff (later General Manager), Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

1986

Life event - Retired

Related entries

Published resources

Journal Articles

• Borger, J. G., Nguyen-Robertson, C. V. & Harris, J., 'Trailblazing women immunologists of Australia and New Zealand', Immunology and cell biology, 99 (4) (2021), 338-43, https://doi.org/10.1111/imcb.12454. Details
• Holmes, M. C. and Burnet, F. M., 'Experimental studies of thymic function in nzb mice and the f1 hybrids with c3h', Australian journal of experimental biology and medical science, 42 (5) (1964), 589-600. Details

Resource Sections

• Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, '1938: Dr Margaret Holmes joins the Institute', Parkville, Vic,, 2026, https://www.wehi.edu.au/about/history/margaret-holmes/. Details