Nils Christian Edgar Oker-Blom (5 August 1919 – 16 January 1995)[2] was a Finnish physician and virologist, who also served as the rector and, later, chancellor of the University of Helsinki.
Nils Oker-Blom | |
|---|---|
 Oker-Blom pictured in 1982 | |
| Born | 5 August 1919 |
| Died | 16 January 1995 (aged 75) Helsinki |
| Known for | Rector and Chancellor, University of Helsinki |
| Academic work | |
| Discipline | Physician |
| Sub-discipline | Virologist |
Oker-Blom graduated from medical school in 1938, obtained a Licenciate of medicine degree in 1947, and Doctorate in 1948.[3]
He began his career at the University of Helsinki in 1950 as an associate professor (Dosentti) of bacteriology and serology. In 1957, he was made a full professor of virology, as the first holder of such post in Finland, and is considered the father of Finnish virology.[2][1]
Oker-Blom served as the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in 1968–69, as the rector of the university in 1978–1983, and finally as its chancellor in 1983–88.[2]
He is known for his research on arboviruses, especially tick-borne encephalitis.[2]
In 1992, Oker-Blom was granted the title of Arkkiatri (Archiater), the highest honour given to a physician in Finland, which can only be held by one person at a time.[1] He was also granted the honorary title of Akateemikko (Academician).[1]
The Oker-Blom family has been ennobled since 1866.[4]
In 1944, Oker-Blom married Constance Victorine née Nordenswan; the couple had three children.[3]
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Oker-Blom, Nils (1919-1995)". Kansallisbiografia.fi (in Finnish). National Biography of Finland. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Oker-Blom, Nils". Uppslagsverket.fi (in Swedish). Retrieved 7 August 2024.
- ^ a b Kuka Kukin On (Who's Who). Helsinki: Otava. 1954. p. 592. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
- ^ "Oker-Blom". Ritarihuone.fi (in Finnish). The Finnish House of Nobility. Retrieved 7 August 2024.