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Michael Philip Alpers is an eminent scientist who has spent half a century conducting medical research in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Best known for his research on the brain disease, kuru, Alpers was made a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2008. This article discusses Alpers.' scientific achievements in the context of his role and relationships in PNG. In particular, the article considers Alpers.' connections with the Fore people, among whom kuru was discovered in the mid--twentieth century. Representing the first scholarly account of Alpers.' life and work, the article cautions against stereotyping western medical researchers in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]