The Harvard Blood Factory: How a Pure Scientist Won WWII

Edwin Cohn, a temperamental Harvard protein chemist, unexpectedly transformed his lab into a highly effective applied R&D powerhouse during WWII. Initially focused on theoretical research, the war spurred him to lead his team in inventing methods to produce life-saving albumin from blood. Cohn's team not only created albumin more stable than plasma but also developed other blood products for treating battlefield injuries. While his methods are outdated, his ability to translate lab discoveries into commercial-scale products remains a valuable lesson. Cohn's story offers a compelling case study for science organizations and funders: combining a pilot plant, funding, and vision to tackle significant problems can yield extraordinary results in translating research into real-world impact.