Biomedical Sciences Blog

This seminar featured Dr. Robert Califf, Vice Chancellor for Clinical Research and Director, Duke Translational Medicine Institute, who spoke about the nature of and opportunities in translational medicine.

Q: What happens next?

A: Nothing soon. Before issuing a decision on the application, FDA will publish an Environmental Assessment of the salmon, followed by a required 30-day comment period. The agency would then determine whether it would file a Finding of No Significant Impact or an Environmental Impact Statement, says spokeswoman Siobhan DeLancey. The agency would then use those findings to make a decision on whether or not to allow the sale of the salmon. The agency has said it has no set timeline for reaching a decision. Were the agency to decide to approve the sale of the salmon, it would take two years before the first crop was ready, company officials say.

Q. What's the animal in question?

A: It's called the AquAdvantage salmon. It's an Atlantic salmon with a growth hormone gene from a close cousin, the Chinook salmon, inserted into it. A second bit of molecular machinery to turn on the growth gene year-round, instead of only in the warmer months, comes from the ocean pout fish.

Q: Why would anyone do that?

A: The fish grow twice as fast as normal farmed salmon and require 10% less feed, so they'd be cheaper to produce.

Q: What are the issues?

A: There are really two: Are these fish safe to eat, and are they safe for the environment?

FDA staff, in a report released earlier this month, found the genetically engineered (or GE) salmon to be as safe to eat as normal salmon. But several members of the agency's Veterinary Medicine Advisory Committee felt that the tests for food safety could have included more data and encouraged the agency to request more from the company.

Q: What's the environmental issue?

A: Some scientists and environmental groups worry that if these fast-growing salmon escaped into the ocean, they might out-compete native salmon populations for both food and mates. As almost all wild Atlantic salmon are endangered, anything that could harm them is of concern.

Q: Could they escape?

A: The company has agreed to put in place multiple barriers to keep its GE fish from escaping. These include raising the eggs on Prince Edward Island in Canada where there's no fresh water for the baby salmon to live in, and raising the fish themselves inland in tanks in Panama, where nearby river water temperatures are too high for salmon to survive. This way, even if any of the eggs or fish were to escape, they wouldn't be in a place where they could live in the wild.

However, many environmental groups feel even these measures are not enough. According to Andrew Kimbrell, executive director for the Center for Food Safety, each year millions of farmed salmon being grown in ocean pens escape into the wild, outcompeting native populations for resources and straining ecosystems. "We believe any approval of the salmon would represent a serious threat to the survival of native salmon populations already teetering on the brink of extinction," he says.

Q: Are those the only issues?

A: The elephant in the room is that this is just the first request for a GE salmon. "It's a foot in the door," says Gregory Jaffe, biotechnology director with the Center for Science in the Public Interest. AquaBounty has put in place multiple protections for a fish that will be raised entirely outside of the United States but sold here. How, he and others ask, will FDA find funds to do sufficient oversight in Canada and Panama? And what happens when the fish is sold elsewhere? Who will be responsible for ensuring that the same standards are maintained?

Q: If the salmon is ever sold here, will I know I'm eating it?

A: Unknown. FDA heard public comment on Tuesday over the labeling issue. Because the agency says the GE salmon is not substantially different from regular salmon, by FDA's own regulations AquaBounty wouldn't be required to label it as genetically engineered. All the consumer groups who commented feel that the public has the right to know whether they're buying GE salmon.

Though at least at first it would be easy to tell — the AquAdvantage would be the only salmon coming from Panama, and under Country Of Origin Labeling rules the salmon would have to be labeled Product of Panama.

WASHINGTON, DC (October 15, 2010) – President Obama today named ten eminent researchers as recipients of the National Medal of Science, and three individuals and one team as recipients of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the highest honors bestowed by the United States government on scientists, engineers, and inventors. The recipients will receive their awards at a White House ceremony later this year.

“The extraordinary accomplishments of these scientists, engineers, and inventors are a testament to American industry and ingenuity,” President Obama said. “Their achievements have redrawn the frontiers of human knowledge while enhancing American prosperity, and it is my tremendous pleasure to honor them for their important contributions.”

The National Medal of Science was created by statute in 1959 and is administered for the White House by the National Science Foundation. Awarded annually, the Medal recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to science and engineering. Nominees are selected by a committee of Presidential appointees based on their extraordinary knowledge in, and contributions to, the biological, behavioral/social, and physical sciences, as well as chemistry, engineering, computing, and mathematics.

The National Medal of Technology and Innovation is an outgrowth of a 1980 statute and is administered for the White House by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The award recognizes those who have made lasting contributions to America’s competitiveness and quality of life and have helped strengthen the Nation’s technological workforce. Nominees are selected by a distinguished independent committee representing both the private and public sectors.

As part of the President’s continuing commitment to encouraging excellence in science and math in young people, the White House also announced this morning that it will host the 2010 White House Science Fair on Monday, October 18th to celebrate the winners of a broad range of science, technology, engineering and math competitions.

The recipients of the National Medal of Science and National Medal of Technology and Innovation are listed below.

National Medal of Science
Yakir Aharonov, Chapman University, CA
Stephen J. Benkovic, Pennsylvania State University, PA
Esther M. Conwell, University of Rochester, NY
Marye Anne Fox, University of California San Diego, CA
Susan L. Lindquist, Whitehead Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA
Mortimer Mishkin, National Institutes of Health, MD
David B. Mumford, Brown University, RI
Stanley B. Prusiner, University of California San Francisco, CA
Warren M. Washington, National Center for Atmospheric Research, CO
Amnon Yariv, California Institute of Technology, CA

National Medal of Technology and Innovation
Individuals
Harry W. Coover, Eastman Chemical Company, TN
Helen M. Free, Miles Laboratories, IN
Steven J. Sasson, Eastman Kodak Company, NY

Team
Federico Faggin, Marcian E. Hoff Jr., Stanley Mazor; Intel Corporation, CA

2011-12 Whitaker BME International Fellows and Scholars Program

The Whitaker International Fellows and Scholars Program sends emerging leaders in U.S. biomedical engineering (or bioengineering) to undertake a self-designed project that will enhance their own careers within the field. In the first four years of the Whitaker Program, 100 grants have been awarded to Fellows and Scholars to conduct projects in over 20 countries worldwide.

Biomedical engineers can use the Whitaker International Fellows and Scholars Program to go overseas to help further their careers, and the field of BME. Potential overseas activities could include:

•Conducting research at an academic institution
•Interning at a policy institute
•Establishing ties between home and host institutions
•Pursuing post-doctoral research

Click here for more details.

The deadline for applications is January 24, 2011.


Editor, Biofuels (temp to hire) - NYC www.elsevierforindustry.com

The Elsevier Biofuel Editor will play a key role in the organization of content, mainly via development and maintenance of ontologies for Elsevier’s online information solution for Biofuel R&D professionals. The Editor will develop the ontology manually, through interaction with an external Advisory Board, and by managing data from 3rd parties. A significant (50%) responsibility of the Editor will be as primary technical resource for the field sales force, working with the sales team as advisor and active product advocate. Education: PhD or Masters.

Apply: http://reedelsevier.taleo.net/careersection/51/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=SCI0005O


2011 ASM Scientific Writing and Publishing Institute - Apply Now

The ASM Committee on Graduate and Postdoctoral Education invites senior-level graduate students and early-career postdoctoral scientists to apply for the 2011 ASM Scientific Writing and Publishing Institute. The Institute, which is sponsored by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, will be held 17-20 March 2011 at ASM's Washington, D.C., headquarters. Institute participants receive careful guidance and mentoring in topics important for publishing and flourishing in the microbiological sciences: (i) writing and submitting manuscripts, (ii) writing abstracts and titles, (iii) selecting journals for submission and strategically suggesting the best editors and reviewers for a manuscript, (iv) responding to reviewer comments and learning to be a good reviewer, and (v) addressing ethical issues related to scientific research and publishing. The application deadline is December 1, 2010. For more information, see the Publishing Institute tab at http://www.asmgap.org.


MEDICAL WRITERS - ALL LEVELS, PA/NJ/NYC

We currently have numerous vacancies for MEDICAL WRITERS to work with Medical Communications agencies in Pennsylvania (Newtown/Yardley/Horsham), New Jersey (Parsippany/Secaucus) and New York City. These range from entry level (i.e. less than 12mths experience) up to Senior Medical Writer/Medical Director level and span most therapeutic areas (Oncology, CNS, Cardiovascular, Infectious Disease, Immunology etc etc). Likewise, the positions range across Promotional Medical Education, Publication Planning and Advertising. Very generous salaries are being offered and career prospects are exceptional. Please note that advanced degrees are essential for these positions (PhD, PharmD or MD) and experience in a Medical Communications agency is HIGHLY desirable.

If you would like to have a confidential conversation to find out more, please call Mark Howard at MBC Consulting on 610 723 1777 or e-mail Mark at mark@mbcconsult.com.


Canadian Post Doctoral Research Fellowships (PDRF) 2011-12

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT), is pleased to announce the launch of the Post Doctoral Research Fellowships (PDRF), tenable in the 2011-2012 academic year. As part of the Government of Canada Awards (GCA), the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program (CCSP) and the Canada-Mexico Awards (CMA), the Government of Canada offers one-year post-doctoral research fellowships tenable at recognized public Canadian universities and affiliated research institutes.

Based on reciprocal agreements between Canada and Foreign governments, the PDRF will award approximately 40 to 60 fellowships to selected candidates from twelve countries. Fellowships are valued at $36,500 CDN (taxable). These fellowships will provide research opportunities to promising recent doctoral graduates in the natural sciences and engineering, social sciences and humanities.
Eligibility requirements and application information can be found on the Government of Canada’s International Scholarships website at www.scholarships.gc.ca.


Postdoctoral Fellow - Virology

The AIDS and Cancer Virus Program (ACVP), SAIC-Frederick, Inc., pursues multidisciplinary research programs in basic and applied molecular virology, viral immunology, and retroviral pathogenesis. Will conduct independent research involving the development of non-human primate models of AIDS virus latency and eradication, retroviral pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention, encompassing both in vitro and in vivo studies. Ph.D. in virology, immunology, or related discipline required. Foreign educated candidates who have completed part or all of their education outside the United States must have their foreign education evaluated by an SAIC-approved accrediting organization to assure that it meets the equivalency of the qualifications of degree work in the United States. In addition to the education requirement, demonstrated ability to productively conduct scientific research projects in virology, immunology or related disciplines. Postdoctoral Fellowship appointments are made for one (1) year, renewable annually with the manager’s approval, for a period of up to three (3) years. This position is subject to obtaining a Public Trust Clearance. For immediate consideration, please apply online for position #180796 at our website: www.saic-frederick.com


Postdoctoral Fellow - Bioinformatics

The Developmental Therapeutics Program's primary emphasis is on drug discovery and characterization, identification of new therapeutic molecular targets and participation in the evaluation of samples and results from animal models with a goal of identifying drugs with potential therapeutic value. You will use statistical analysis, data mining approaches, and gene/protein functional annotation tools and programs within the Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Immunopathogenesis (http://david.abcc.ncifcrf.gov/). Will work in a highly dynamic team environment in support of a diverse array of genomic studies in collaboration with laboratory and clinical investigators from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease at NIH. Will closely interact with world-class bioinformatics analysts, molecular biologists, immunologists, statisticians and computer programmers within the NIH community.

Doctorate degree from an accredited college/university in a discipline related to biomedical research. Foreign educated candidates who have completed part or all of their education outside of the United States must have their foreign education evaluated by an SAIC-approved accrediting organization to assure that it has met the equivalency of the qualifications of degree work in the United States. None required beyond the educational requirement. Some training or experience in one or more of the following areas: SNP microarray; Exon Microarray; and Promoter microarray (ChIP-on-CHIP). Ability of learning to work on large dataset (genome-wide scanning data) in a combination of Linux/UNIX/windows environment with bioinformatics tools (such as, PLINK, R/BioConductor, Partek, NCBI databases). Entry or middle level of programming languages such as Perl, Python, Java, C++, etc. This position is subject to obtaining a Public Trust Clearance

Excellent stipend and benefits accompany our position. For immediate consideration, please apply online for position #180355 at our website: www.saic-frederick.com


Postdoctoral Fellow - HPV Immunology

Postdoctoral Fellowship available within the HPV Immunology Laboratory. This laboratory conducts research as part of the Clinical Services Program whose primary mission is to perform sequential studies of immune function in patients with cancer, AIDS, chronic granulomatous disease or other diseases associated with immunologic dysfunction, as well as to monitor viral load in patients with HIV. You will conduct research to characterize immune responses to HPV vaccines and natural history studies of HPV-induced cervical disease. Approaches will include, but are not limited to, the use of multi-color flow cytometry, expression profiling, RT-PCR, lymphoproliferation assays, virus neutralization assays and ELISA. Will be also involved in the optimization and implementation of new techniques with application to epidemiologic studies of immune responses to HPV.

Doctorate degree from an accredited college/university in a discipline related to biomedical research. Foreign educated candidates who have completed part or all of their education outside of the United States must have their foreign education evaluated by an SAIC-approved accrediting organization to assure that it has met the equivalency of the qualifications of degree work in the United States. In additional to the educational requirement, must have an interest in host response to pathogens and vaccines and experience in cell culture, current molecular biology and immunological techniques and flow cytometry. Basic computer skills desirable. This position is subject to obtaining a Public Trust Clearance.

For immediate consideration, please apply online for position #174603 at our website: www.saic-frederick.com


Looking for a Sr. Scientist/ Assay Development for small to mid size biotechnology company, located in Newark, DE. Responsible for developing various assays for hybridoma development and screening. The individual must have strong capability on trouble-shooting technical problems and can independently develop new assays to support high-content high-throughput screening of antibodies with desired characteristics. Interested Candidates: email resume to Elaine Annos at eannos@sdix.com.


Looking for a Scientist II for small to mid size biotechnology company, located in Newark, DE. Individual will be involved in developing various assays for hybridoma screening. Must have an extensive hands-on experience on high-throughput ELISA-based and/or cell-based screenings and have multiple task-taking capabilities in a fast-pace working environment. Interested Candidates: email resume to Elaine Annos at eannos@sdix.com.


A Postdoctoral position is available to work in the interface of neuroscience, energy metabolism and immunology. This position will be involved in the advancement of understanding disease mechanism, leading to discovery and validation of new therapeutic targets in the area of neurodegeneration, obesity, diabetes and autoimmune diseases.

Qualifications:
The position requires a Ph.D. degree in the field of Immunology, Endocrinology, Neuroscience and/or Biology, with innovative scientific accomplishment demonstrated by solid record of publications, and with strong motivation to study the mechanisms of cell - cell communication which can lead to better medicines or therapeutic intervention. A track record of cross-disciplinary research among some or all of the aforementioned areas is preferable.

The applicant should have a broad experience in animal models, immunoassays and familiarity with fundamental modern molecular and cell biology techniques (ie. generation of stable cell lines, lentivirus work, siRNA). Excellent scientific presentation, verbal communication and writing skills are a plus.

Please submit resumes for Req. #935145 to www.pfizer.com

Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

All applicants must have authorization to work for Pfizer in the U.S. In certain circumstances it may be advantageous to Pfizer to support the application(s) for temporary visa classification and/or sponsor applications for permanent residence so that a foreign national colleague can accept or remain in a work assignment in the U. S. For certain classes of temporary visas, the resulting work authorization may be specific to Pfizer and the specific job and/or work site.

Pfizer may at its business discretion decide to or refrain from obtaining, maintaining and/or extending the temporary visa status and/or sponsoring a colleague for permanent residency and /or employment eligibility, considering factors such as availability of qualified U.S. workers and the colleague's long-term prospects for securing lawful permanent residence, among other reasons.

Employment applicants requiring immigration sponsorship must disclose, when initial application for employment is made, whether or not they are legally authorized to work for Pfizer in the U.S. and, if so, whether that authorization permits them to work in the job they seek. In no case should Pfizer's support of a colleague's temporary visa application or sponsorship of a colleague for permanent residence be construed to guarantee success of that application or amend or otherwise invalidate the "at-will" employment relationship between the colleague and Pfizer.


Senior Scientist at Novozymes

We are seeking an energetic, results-oriented Senior Scientist to join our R&D team. You will discover, optimize, and apply natural, beneficial bacteria to solve problems in industrial waste treatment settings. You will have the opportunity to mentor junior scientists, serve on cross-functional product development teams, and to present your research to colleagues, industrial partners, and scientists from many institutions.When you join Novozymes, you’ll lead the way to create a brighter future. To realize your full potential, you’ll be supported by your colleagues who share the same goals and ambitions as you. Be part of a team that values your expertise and where you can make a difference.

Here’s what it takes:

Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology, Microbial Physiology, Microbial Ecology, Fungal Biology, Waste Management Engineering, Biochemistry or related discipline is required.
Experience or familiarity with wastewater treatment systems and biosolids management or bioengineering desired.
Demonstrated ability to develop assays and analytical methods preferred.
Demonstrated supervisory experience.
Ability to work independently and effectively manage multiple projects.
Ability to work in the US without sponsorship.

Step up for the challenge and apply online at www.novozymes.com/careers.


Laboratory Director/Medical Director Boston MA. Full relocation.

Laboratory Director/Medical Director
My client, a molecular diagnostics company, is seeking a Laboratory Director who will direct the clinical laboratory operations of the company.
Responsibilities
-Serve as Laboratory Director of molecular genetic diagnostic laboratory with responsibility for clinical operations, policies & procedures, and certification
-Responsible for providing daily technical and scientific analysis of data, revision and release of Patient Reports, and communication with physicians
-Assure the proper implementation of medical, scientific and technical procedures and policies within the clinical laboratory
-Determine and characterize relevant and detectable mutations for my clients’ targeted genetic disorders
-Work closely with the Director of Genetic Research to build a comprehensive and vetted database of relevant known disease causing mutations and policies and procedures relating to previously unknown variants
-Work closely with the R&D team to develop laboratory tests
-Responsible for continuous maintenance of clinical database for mutation interpretation
-Establish clinical SOPs, develop guidelines for mutation interpretation, and build laboratory report to referring physicians based on sound medical genetics and laboratory practices
-Work closely with the CMO to obtain appropriate licensure and ensure compliance with all regulations relating to clinical laboratory operations including monitoring of test performance characteristics, QA/QC, and proficiency testing
-Manage and clinical laboratory staff
Qualifications
-The Laboratory Director position requires a Doctorate in Medicine and/or Genetics with at least five years of experience in the field of Diagnostics Laboratory Medicine and/or post-doctoral training in Clinical Molecular Genetics.
-MA state licensed MD, board certified or eligible in anatomic or clinical pathology
-MA state licensed MD, board certified or eligible by a national accreditation board related to medical genetics or have 2 years experience directing a molecular genetics lab
-PhD in lab science and be board certified in molecular genetics after 2003
-PhD in lab science and prior to 2003 have served as a lab director and have 2 years training in molecular genetics and have 2 years experience directing or supervising molecular genetics lab
-Extensive knowledge of genetics and genetic disorders
-Been involved in the development of a diagnostic test
-Sound clinical and diagnostic laboratory judgment
-Experience with clinical databases highly preferred
-Experience with operations of a clinical genetics laboratory, and lab licensure/certification by relevant entities preferred
-Ability to manage technical/professional support and laboratory staff
-Willingness to work in a start up environment and proven team-work and leadership skills
-Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
-Reports to CMO, or CEO in the absence of a CMO

Company Overview: Based in Boston, my client is developing a molecular diagnostic platform utilizing next generation sequencing technology that will be applied to specific clinical genetic diagnostic applications. The initial diagnostic product will be delivered through a Company owned and operated clinical laboratory certified under CLIA, and distributed to fertility patients through their doctors. My client has recently received its first round of institutional financing and is looking to build its team with experienced clinical and laboratory professionals.
To learn more or apply for this position, please email Ken Drake kdrake@hallmarkit.com or call 1-800-876-4255 ext 706.

The first test tube baby celebrated her 30th birthday with Prof Edwards in 2008

Ignacio Carrasco de Paula, head of the Pontifical Academy for Life, said the award ignored the ethical questions raised by the fertility treatment.

He said IVF had led to the destruction of large numbers of human embryos.

Nearly four million babies have been born using IVF fertility treatment since 1978.

Mr Carrasco, the Vatican's spokesman on bio-ethics, said in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) had been "a new and important chapter in the field of human reproduction".

But he said the Nobel prize committee's choice of Prof Edwards had been "completely out of order" as without his treatment, there would be no market for human eggs "and there would not be a large number of freezers filled with embryos in the world", he told Italy's Ansa news agency.

"In the best of cases they are transferred into a uterus but most probably they will end up abandoned or dead, which is a problem for which the new Nobel prize winner is responsible."

In his statement, Mr Carrasco stressed that he was speaking in a personal capacity.

The Nobel medicine prize committee in Oslo said Prof Edwards' work had brought "joy to infertile people all over the world".

"His achievements have made it possible to treat infertility, a medical condition afflicting a large proportion of humanity, including more than 10% of all couples worldwide," it said.

Prof Edwards efforts in the 1950s, 60s and 70s led to the birth of the world's first "test tube baby", Louise Brown, in July 1978.

Ms Brown said the award was "fantastic news".

"Me and mum are so glad that one of the pioneers of IVF has been given the recognition he deserves," she said.

"We hold Bob in great affection and are delighted to send our personal congratulations to him and his family at this time."

Source: BBC

4 October 2010

Professor Robert Edwards, Pensioner Fellow at Churchill College and Emeritus Professor of Human Reproduction at the University, was today awarded the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine.

Edwards, born in 1925, was educated at the University of Bangor and the University of Edinburgh. In 1963, he joined the University of Cambridge as the Ford Foundation Research Fellow at the Department of Physiology, and a member of Churchill College.

Edwards began work on fertilisation in 1955, and began his partnership with Dr Patrick Steptoe, a gynaecologist surgeon, in 1968. Although the first successful human test-tube fertilisation took place by 1970, research did not result in a successful pregnancy for ten years. During this time, Edwards supervised students at Churchill College.

By the late 1970s, funding for Steptoe and Edwards' project was running out, and their work met with scepticism, resistance and set-backs. But in 1978, a breakthrough resulted in a healthy pregnancy and the birth of the first ever 'test tube baby', Louise Brown.

Edwards and Steptoe went on to found the first IVF clinic at Bourn Hall, Cambridge, in 1980. Before Dr Steptoe died in 1988, Edwards, now a Professor of Human Reproduction at Cambridge, was able to tell his seriously ill colleague that one thousand babies had been conceived at the clinic.

In 2001 he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Cambridge and the Albert Lasker Clinical Medical Research Award for the development of in vitro fertilization. Now aged 85, Edwards is a Pensioner Fellow at Churchill College, Cambridge. Over four million children have now been born as a result of IVF.

Professor Azim Surani, former graduate student of Professor Edwards and current Marshall-Walton Professor of Physiology and Reproduction at the University of Cambridge, said:

"I am delighted that Bob Edwards's work has been finally recognised with the much-deserved award of Nobel Prize in Medicine. I was one of his PhD students in early 1970's when Bob together with Patrick Steptoe was in the middle of his pioneering research on early human embryos, which eventually led to the birth of Louise Brown. Bob had to work very hard towards achieving his objective in the face of many obstacles, considerable opposition and lack of support from the establishment.

"Bob's work has been critical for many other important medical advances, including preimplantation genetic diagnosis for diseases, and for the derivation of the first human pluripotent stem cells, which hold great promise for advances in medicine in the future. For myself, Bob was a highly inspirational and generous supervisor, and I am delighted and proud to have been one of his PhD students."

Professor Bill Harris, Head of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge, said:

"We are absolutely delighted that the pioneering work on the basic cell biology of mammalian fertilization done by Bob Edwards when he was in our Department has been duly recognized by the Nobel Committee for the huge step forward in reproductive medicine that it has proved to be.

"This is a perfect example of how basic science can have enormous, beneficial impact on modern medicine. Louise Brown, born in 1978, and thousands of other happy, healthy and successful human beings all owe their very existence to the remarkable breakthrough achieved by Bob."

Dr Alan Findlay, Fellow of Churchill College and longstanding friend and colleague of Professor Bob Edwards, said:

"This is great news. I just wish it had come sooner. Bob braved tremendous difficulties in the early days of the research that led to IVF. He had to make weekly journeys from Cambridge to Oldham- in the pre-motorway era! - where Patrick Steptoe, one of the few obstetricians willing to collaborate with him, was using keyhole surgery to collect eggs from ovaries. Leaders of the medical and scientific establishments were highly sceptical. Bob has engaged vigorously and constructively in debates on the ethical implications of his work. The greatest reward for him has been the joy that his work has brought to millions."

Sir David Wallace, Master of Churchill College, said:

"I am thrilled for Bob, who has given us yet another wonderful reason to celebrate this year the 50th anniversary of the Founding of the College."

Source: University of Cambridge