13 Facts About Philip Handler

Philip Handler was an American nutritionist, and biochemist.

Philip Handler was President of the United States National Academy of Sciences for two terms from 1969 to 1981.

Philip Handler was a recipient of the National Medal of Science.

Philip Handler taught at Duke University where he was named the youngest chairman of the Department of Biochemistry, at 35.

Philip Handler remained at Duke until 1969, when he accepted the position of president of the National Academy of Sciences.

Philip Handler was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1964.

Philip Handler received the National Medal of Science in 1981 for "his outstanding contribution to biochemical research, resulting in significant contributions to mankind, including research which led to a clearer understanding of pellagra".

Philip Handler's research led to the first understanding of nicotinic acid deficiency and the discovery of the tryptophan-nicotinic acid relationship.

Philip Handler provided an understanding of the oxidation of sarcosine to glycine and formaldehyde, which led to the importance of single-carbon atoms in metabolism.

Philip Handler was responsible for perhaps one of the most notable statues relating to science in the United States: that of Albert Einstein at the grounds of the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, DC.

Philip Handler was involved in the creation of the US Department of Health, Education and Welfare, the predecessor to the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Rather abruptly, Philip Handler died in Boston on December 29,1981, from pneumonia, shortly after leaving office at the Academy.

Philip Handler chose to have his ashes placed alongside his colleagues' at Duke University Medical Center, where he began his academic research career.