Brian Herbert Kay 1944–2017

Abstract

Brian Kaywas a renowned entomologist and arbovirologistwhoworked in academia and with local and international governments to make major and lasting improvements in public health. Particular highlights were the first ever elimination of a saltmarsh mosquito in the world and elimination of dengue from many hamlets and villages in Vietnam. He is also remembered for the development of the careers of many young researchers in Australia and overseas. When thinking of Brian Kay, three things come to mind immediately. First, Brian was a great character–a man of fun and passion and always good to be around. He had a great cheeky smile. Second, Brian was deeply committed to the careers and well-being of those around him–exemplified no better than how he acted so caringly for the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) staff when he served for several years as Chairman of the QIMR Staff Association; and third, Brian was an outstanding entomologist, biologist, scientist. Here, we give a little history of his background and attempt to distil a few of Brian's many scientific achievements and paint a picture of a man who was greatly admired and loved by those who worked alongside him in various parts of the world, but predominantly in Australia and the Asia Pacific Region.