The pioneering vaccine scientist Maurice Hilleman, Ph.D., who has been called the father of modern vaccinology, once said when reflecting on his career, "Well, looking back on one's lifetime, you say, 'Gee, what have I done -- have I done enough for the world to justify having been here?' That's a big worry -- to people from Montana, at least."

There is no question that Dr. Hilleman has done enough for the world. Viewed by those who knew him as a hero of vaccine research, Dr. Hilleman is credited with saving millions of lives through the development of more than 30 vaccines. His career spanned more than four decades, including nearly 30 years at Merck. His dedication to making a difference through the practical application of vaccine research and delivering vaccines to people in need around the world forms the very core of the mission of Hilleman Laboratories.

"Maurice Hilleman was perhaps the single most influential public heath figure of the 20th century when you consider the millions of lives saved, and the countless people who were spared suffering because of his work," said Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health. "It is only fitting that such a novel endeavor, which aims to develop lifesaving vaccines for those in the developing world, should be named in his honor."

While at Merck, Dr. Hilleman developed most of the 40 experimental and licensed animal and human vaccines. A true innovator, Dr. Hilleman was responsible for developing the first approved vaccine for preventing multiple diseases. Dr. Robert Gallo, who co-discovered the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), has said, "If I had to name a person who has done more for the benefit of human health, with less recognition than anyone else, it would be Maurice Hilleman. Maurice should be recognized as the most successful vaccinologist in history."

Dr. Hilleman retired as senior vice president of the Merck Research Labs in 1984. In 1988, he was awarded the National Medal of Science, the highest scientific honor in the United States, by President Ronald Regan. Other honors include a special lifetime achievement award from the World Health Organization, the Sabin Gold Medal, and the Albert Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research. Prior to his death in 2005, he served as adjunct professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and as an adviser to the World Health Organization.