Title: John Hamerton fonds.

Dates: 1965-2006.

Extent: 3.63 m of textual records and other material.

Biographical sketch: John Laurence Hamerton was born September 23, 1929 in Hove, England. He received a B.Sc. from the University of London in 1951. He worked on the Science Staff of M.R.C. Radiobiology Research Unit from 1951 to 1956. He was the Senior Science Officer for the British Royal Museum from 1956 to 1959. He worked for the British Empire Cancer Campaign at the University of London from 1959 to 1960. He was a lecturer and head of the Cytogenetics Section of Guy's Hospital Medical School from 1962 to 1969. While at Guy's, he collaborated on studies that helped pave the way for the first bone marrow transplants. He completed a D.Sc. from the University of London in 1968.

Hamerton came to Winnipeg in 1969 to create the Winnipeg Children's Hospital's first human genetics department. He established an international reputation as a researcher, making major contributions in prenatal diagnosis, cytogenetics and ethical issues relating to the Human Genome Project. He was a founding member and former President of the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists. He was the former President of the American Society of Human Geneticists and the Genetics Society of Canada. He was made a Distinguished Professor at the University of Manitoba in 1987. Upon his retirement he was named Distinguished Professor Emeritus in 1997. That same year he became a member of the Royal Society of Canada. In 2003, he was named an Officer of the Order of Canada. Dr. Hamerton died on February 9, 2006.

Custodial history: The fonds was donated to University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections by John Hamerton’s wife, Irene, in 2008.

Scope and content: The fonds is separated into 11 series. They include biographical information, correspondence, articles and conference papers, conferences, meetings and site visits, Hamerton's research material, academic material, receipts, research material, research material on diseases, symposium proceedings, and photographs.

Restrictions: There are no restrictions on this material.

Accruals: No further accruals to this fonds are expected.

Finding aid: An on-line finding aid is available at the link below: