Jonas Edward Salk (October 28, 1914 – June 23, 1995) was an American virologist and physician who developed one of the first successful polio vaccines. His inactivated poliovirus vaccine, also known as the Salk vaccine, marked a significant breakthrough in the fight against the paralytic disease that caused widespread global epidemics during the 20th century. Salk's research and dedication led to a revolutionary impact on public health, contributing to the control and near-eradication of polio worldwide.