8 April 2011

Pill Inventor Wins Edinburgh Medal

Even though I have now moved into politics full time I am still consider myself a scientist, a designation I am very proud of. I may not have been a Nobel contender but I feel a strong sense of fellowship with those who are. 

Science can be such a force for change. For example the new vaccine  for  Human papillomavirus (HPV) is currently preventing many millions of young women from contracting cervical cancer. Imagine the families which won't be devastated by the loss of a mother, sister or daughter. 

This year the annual Edinburgh Medal  has been awarded to Stanford University Professor Carl Djerassi the man who invented the oral contraceptive.

The Edinburgh Medal is given each year to men and women of science and technology whose professional achievements are judged to have made a significant contribution to the understanding and well-being of humanity.

Noting what a seismic change the Pill made in handing control of their fertility to women Professor Djerassi is a very worthy winner. 

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