Hans Schmidt

German bacteriologist and immunologist whose work on the theoretical foundations of immunology and the practical issues of preventive medicine were pioneering at the time for immunological research. His experimental work improved the active immunization (vaccination) and the remedial treatment of infectious diseases. Schmidt further developed the anti-diphtheria vaccine introduced by Emil von Behring in 1913, and improved therapy and prophylaxis of tetanus and vaccination with combined vaccines.

Schmidt spent decades investigating the pathogenesis and immunity of infectious diseases and the relationship between immunity and allergy, anaphylaxis and serum sickness. His books on serology, specific therapy and prophylaxis were then considered standard works. Schmidt was the editor of Fortschritte der Immunitätsforschung (advances in immunology research) and from 1957 to 1975 co-editor of Zeitschrift für Immunitätsforschung (Journal of Immunology).

He died on 1 March 1975 in Wabern bei Bern, aged 92.