While there is no single "mother" of microbiology, Fanny Hesse is often credited with being a key figure in its development. Her work with her husband, Walther Hesse, in the 1880s revolutionized the field with the introduction of agar-agar as a solid medium for cultivating bacteria. This breakthrough enabled scientists to isolate and study individual bacterial species, laying the foundation for modern microbiology.
Fanny Hesse's contributions to microbiology were initially overlooked, but in recent years, she has been recognized for her critical role in advancing the field. She is often hailed as the "mother of microbiology" for her pioneering work.
