15 Best Scientists In The MCU

Doctor Abraham Erskine was a German scientist and member of the Strategic Scientific Reserve during World War 2. Erskine's stint in the Marvel Cinematic Universe may have been brief, but he is responsible for one of the most significant scientific creations in the MCU to date.

That creation would be the Super Soldier Serum that turned Steve Rogers into Captain America. The courage, selflessness and integrity that defines Cap has always been within Rogers, which is why he was Erskine's choice for Project Rebirth. Erskine just took the frail and asthmatic 90-pound packaging and turned it into the peak of human conditioning.

With the serum applied, Rogers received enhanced strength, speed, agility and durability far beyond that of any ordinary person. As Erskine himself put it, "The serum amplifies everything that is inside, so good becomes great. Bad, becomes worse", so the personality traits that made Rogers stand up to bullies in alleys now allow him to stand up to the likes of Ultron and Thanos.

Bad also became worse. Doctor Erskine used an unfinished version of the serum on Johann Schmidt, giving birth to the Red Skull. Creating a super Nazi isn't something that you want on your resume, but you don't have many alternatives when you are forced to do it at gunpoint.

From working directly with Howard Stark to creating the first Avenger to Bruce Banner attempting to replicate his serum, Doctor Erskine's work has been felt for generations.