144. Peter Doherty: Nobel Prize Winner & the Mind Behind Modern Immunology

Did you know the only veterinarian to ever win a Nobel Prize wasn’t exactly an animal lover? In this episode I sit down with Professor Peter Doherty—a Nobel Prize-winning immunologist and veterinarian.

We dive into Peter’s early career, where he aimed to improve animal health and food production—a goal many of us can relate to when thinking about making a real-world impact.

Peter then walks us through his groundbreaking discovery of how CD8 T cells identify and destroy virus-infected cells—research that transformed immunology and cancer science. We follow his journey across Australia and the U.S., leading up to his Nobel Prize, awarded over 20 years after his original findings.

With COVID-19 still on everyone’s minds, Peter discusses explaining vaccine development, long COVID, and the challenges of breaking down complex science for different audiences. He also shares his thoughts on public health funding and research support—issues that affect us all.

Finally, Peter talks about shifting from research to writing and public engagement, including a potential book on the pandemic’s long-term effects. If you’re interested in science or curious about finding your own path, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Let’s dive in!

In this episode: 

• (0:00) Introduction and early motivation
• (1:01) Childhood and family background
• (8:57) Major discovery in immunology
• (15:07) T cells and vaccine research
• (18:03) Winning the Nobel Prize
• (20:52) Aging, retirement, and science communication
• (28:07) COVID-19 science communication
• (31:22) Pandemics, blame, and public perception
• (32:32) COVID-19 policy and vaccine development
• (43:19) Advice for young people and social media experience

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About Our Guest

Professor Peter Doherty is a Nobel Prize–winning immunologist best known for co-discovering how killer T cells recognize virus-infected cells—a breakthrough that laid the foundation for modern immunotherapy. Originally trained as a veterinarian, Peter's career spanned continents, from animal pathology in Australia to influenza research in the U.S. He's authored multiple books, served as a public science communicator during COVID-19, and continues to write on science, climate change, and global health. Now 84, he remains as curious and candid as ever.

Professor Peter Doherty

• Nobel Prize Bio: nobelprize.org
• Book: The Beginner’s Guide to Winning the Nobel Prize, Pandemics: What Everyone Needs to Know, and more
• Science Communication Blog: Setting It Straight

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