March 11

Born in 1520 in Istria, Matthias Flacius studied at the University of Wittenberg under Philip Melanchthon and Martin Luther. He emerged as a zealous advocate for Reformation theology, particularly in his critique of the Council of Trent and the doctrine of original sin. Flacius co-authored the Magdeburg Centuries, a pioneering church history highlighting Protestant perspectives. He played a central role in the controversies within Lutheranism over doctrinal purity and was eventually exiled due to his uncompromising positions. Despite opposition, Flacius continued his scholarly work in Switzerland, publishing theological treatises that shaped early Lutheran thought. He died in 1575, leaving a complex legacy as both a staunch defender of Lutheran orthodoxy and a scholar of church history.

Born in Rotterdam in 1882, Hendrik Willem van Loon emigrated to the United States and became a prolific writer. He wrote engaging history books for young readers, combining narrative with his own illustrations. His 'The Story of Mankind' received the inaugural Newbery Medal in 1922. Van Loon authored numerous works on history and culture, popularizing complex subjects. He lectured widely and campaigned for democracy and resistance against fascism in Europe. He passed away on March 11, 1944, leaving a mark on children's literature and historical education.

Born in Ayrshire in 1881, Alexander Fleming studied medicine at St Mary's Hospital Medical School in London. In 1922, he discovered the enzyme lysozyme and later observed the antibacterial properties of Penicillium mold in 1928. His discovery of penicillin ushered in the antibiotic era and saved countless lives worldwide. For this breakthrough, Fleming shared the 1945 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Knighted in 1944, he continued research into antibiotics and advocated for their responsible use. He died on March 11, 1955, and his work remains foundational in modern medicine.

He led groundbreaking expeditions for the American Museum of Natural History in the 1920s. Andrews discovered the first-known fossilized dinosaur eggs at the Flaming Cliffs in the Gobi Desert. His adventures captivated the public and inspired stories of daring exploration. A pioneer in paleontology, he collected thousands of specimens that reshaped scientific understanding of prehistoric life. He later served as director of the Yale Peabody Museum and championed conservation efforts worldwide.

As a teenager, he conceptualized and built a completely electronic image transmission system, demonstrating a working prototype in 1927. Farnsworth's inventions included the image dissector camera tube and a complete television broadcast system. He engaged in extensive patent battles with major corporations and ultimately secured critical patents. His pioneering work laid the foundation for modern television technology and electronic communication. Later in his career, he contributed to nuclear fusion research and mentored young engineers.

Herbert Jasper was a key figure in brain physiology research, working closely with neurosurgeon Wilder Penfield at the Montreal Neurological Institute. Born in 1906, he developed groundbreaking techniques to map brain function through electrical stimulation. His studies on the neurological basis of epilepsy advanced both surgical methods and scientific understanding. Jasper authored numerous academic papers and served as a professor and dean at McGill University. He passed away in 1999, leaving a profound legacy in neuroscience and clinical research.

James Tobin was born in 1918 and became one of the leading economists of the 20th century. He made major contributions to the development of Keynesian economics and the analysis of financial markets. Tobin's 'q' theory of investment and his work on portfolio selection have influenced generations of researchers and policymakers. His scholarly achievements earned him the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1981. Tobin also served as an advisor to several US administrations and international organizations. His legacy endures in economic policy debates and academic research around the world.

Joel Brinkley, born in 1952, won a Pulitzer Prize for his coverage of humanitarian crises in Cambodia. He worked as a foreign correspondent for The New York Times, reporting from conflict zones around the world. Later, Brinkley transitioned to academia and became a lecturer at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. He authored books on global affairs and mentored aspiring journalists. Brinkley was known for his insightful analysis and commitment to ethical reporting standards. His dual career in journalism and education influenced both the media industry and academic scholarship.

Walter Burkert (1931–2015) was a pioneering German philologist and historian whose interdisciplinary research transformed the study of ancient Greek religion and myth. He authored seminal works such as "Homo Necans" and "Greek Religion", integrating anthropology, archaeology, and literary analysis. As a professor at the University of Zurich and later at Harvard, he influenced generations of classicists and scholars worldwide. Burkert’s clear prose and rigorous methodology set new standards in classical studies. His legacy endures in the continued relevance of his theories on ritual and myth in the ancient world.

Doreen Massey (1944–2016) was a leading British geographer whose ideas reshaped the study of space and place. As a professor at the Open University, she developed the concept of space as a dynamic social construct, challenging traditional geographic thought. Massey’s notable works include "Space, Place and Gender" and "For Space", which combined feminist, Marxist, and postcolonial perspectives. She was active in political movements for social justice, housing rights, and globalization critique. Massey’s interdisciplinary approach continues to influence human geography, urban planning, and cultural studies.