Scientists who died on June 23

Take a focused look at the scientists who passed away on June 23. Dive into curated bios, achievements, and cultural milestones verified by our editors.

• 1995 Jonas Salk

  Jonas Salk was an American medical researcher and virologist best known for developing the first successful polio vaccine. His work in the 1950s was pivotal in the fight against polio, a disease that caused paralysis and death worldwide. Salk was noted for his humanitarian principles, particularly his decision not to patent the vaccine, thus ensuring its widespread distribution. [bio]