Menu
04/10/2010
Nobel Prize Win For British IVF Pioneer
This year's Nobel prize for medicine has been awarded to British Scientist Robert Edwards, the man who devised IVF fertility treatment.
On 25 July 1978, his revolutionary work led to the birth of the world's first "test tube baby".
Since then almost four million babies have been born using the in vitro fertilisation method.
The success of IVF means an infertile couple have a one in five chance of conceiving, the same odds that healthy couples have of conceiving naturally.
The Nobel Assembly at Sweden's Karolinska Institute, who awarded the prize, said his achievements were "a milestone of modern medicine."
In 1968, Prof Edwards, now 85, was able to achieve fertilisation of a human egg in the laboratory and started to collaborate with Patrick Steptoe, a gynecologic surgeon from Oldham.
Their attempts were met with significant hostility and opposition from churches and governments.
The assembly said: "Today, Robert Edwards' vision is a reality and brings joy to infertile people all over the world.”
Prof Edwards, was not available to speak to the media due to ill health.
Nobel Committee Member Goran Hansson told the conference: "I spoke to his wife, and she was delighted. She was sure he would also be delighted."
The first IVF baby, Louise Brown, now 32, said: "Its fantastic news. Me and mum are so glad that one of the pioneers of IVF has been given the recognition he deserves.
"We hold Bob in great affection and are delighted to send our personal congratulations to him and his family at this time."
Professor Basil Tarlatzis, past-president of the International Federation of Fertility Societies, said: "This is a well deserved honour.
"IVF has opened new avenues of hope for millions of couples throughout the world.
"Edwards and Steptoe were real pioneers, and the award of the Nobel Prize honours not just their work, but the whole field of reproductive science.
"After their breakthrough work, Robert went on to nurture the development of the assisted reproduction.
"No-one deserves this award more, and we congratulate him."
(BMcN/GK)
On 25 July 1978, his revolutionary work led to the birth of the world's first "test tube baby".
Since then almost four million babies have been born using the in vitro fertilisation method.
The success of IVF means an infertile couple have a one in five chance of conceiving, the same odds that healthy couples have of conceiving naturally.
The Nobel Assembly at Sweden's Karolinska Institute, who awarded the prize, said his achievements were "a milestone of modern medicine."
In 1968, Prof Edwards, now 85, was able to achieve fertilisation of a human egg in the laboratory and started to collaborate with Patrick Steptoe, a gynecologic surgeon from Oldham.
Their attempts were met with significant hostility and opposition from churches and governments.
The assembly said: "Today, Robert Edwards' vision is a reality and brings joy to infertile people all over the world.”
Prof Edwards, was not available to speak to the media due to ill health.
Nobel Committee Member Goran Hansson told the conference: "I spoke to his wife, and she was delighted. She was sure he would also be delighted."
The first IVF baby, Louise Brown, now 32, said: "Its fantastic news. Me and mum are so glad that one of the pioneers of IVF has been given the recognition he deserves.
"We hold Bob in great affection and are delighted to send our personal congratulations to him and his family at this time."
Professor Basil Tarlatzis, past-president of the International Federation of Fertility Societies, said: "This is a well deserved honour.
"IVF has opened new avenues of hope for millions of couples throughout the world.
"Edwards and Steptoe were real pioneers, and the award of the Nobel Prize honours not just their work, but the whole field of reproductive science.
"After their breakthrough work, Robert went on to nurture the development of the assisted reproduction.
"No-one deserves this award more, and we congratulate him."
(BMcN/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 October 2013
OPCW Awarded Nobel Peace Prize
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2013 is to be awarded to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons. During World War One, chemical weapons were used to a considerable degree.
OPCW Awarded Nobel Peace Prize
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2013 is to be awarded to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons. During World War One, chemical weapons were used to a considerable degree.
06 October 2003
British scientist awarded Nobel prize
A British scientist is celebrating today after being named as joint winner of the Nobel Prize for Medicine. Sir Peter Mansfield, from Nottingham, England, and Paul Lauterbur, from Urbana, Illinois, USA, share the recognition and kudos that an award of this kind brings – along with the 10 Swedish krono (£775,000) reward.
British scientist awarded Nobel prize
A British scientist is celebrating today after being named as joint winner of the Nobel Prize for Medicine. Sir Peter Mansfield, from Nottingham, England, and Paul Lauterbur, from Urbana, Illinois, USA, share the recognition and kudos that an award of this kind brings – along with the 10 Swedish krono (£775,000) reward.
14 February 2005
Woman in frozen embryo row takes case to Europe
A British woman, left infertile after cancer treatment, is to take her case to the European Court of Human Rights, in order to win the right to use frozen embryos created from her eggs. Natalie Evans was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and decided to undergo IVF treatment with her fiancé, Howard Johnson in 2001.
Woman in frozen embryo row takes case to Europe
A British woman, left infertile after cancer treatment, is to take her case to the European Court of Human Rights, in order to win the right to use frozen embryos created from her eggs. Natalie Evans was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and decided to undergo IVF treatment with her fiancé, Howard Johnson in 2001.
25 February 2004
Women to be offered one free IVF treatment from 2005
Thousands of women could get one free IVF treatment following new NHS guidelines, the health department has announced today.
Women to be offered one free IVF treatment from 2005
Thousands of women could get one free IVF treatment following new NHS guidelines, the health department has announced today.
08 October 2013
Higgs Scoops Nobel Prize In Physics
A Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to Peter Higgs, Emeritus Professor of Theoretical Physics. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences' award to Professor Higgs recognises his outstanding contribution to the theoretical work that led to the prediction of the Higgs boson particle.
Higgs Scoops Nobel Prize In Physics
A Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to Peter Higgs, Emeritus Professor of Theoretical Physics. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences' award to Professor Higgs recognises his outstanding contribution to the theoretical work that led to the prediction of the Higgs boson particle.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry and sunny start but cloud bubbling up with a few showers developing from late morning. Sunny intervals and scattered showers in the afternoon, these could be heavy at times. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Remaining cloudy with a few showers continuing through the evening. Some drier, clearer spells in the early hours, before cloud builds and showers turn more persistent towards dawn. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
