Sir Robert Edwards: Tributes to IVF pioneer who helped create 5million babies and won Nobel prize
His work led to the birth of the world's first "test tube baby" in 1978
Thanks: First test tube baby Louise on her 21st birthday with Prof Robert Edwards
The world’s first test-tube baby paid tribute to IVF pioneer Prof Sir Robert Edwards, who died today aged 87Louise Brown was born in 1978, a decade after Sir Robert and Dr Patrick Steptoe began to develop the technique of in vitro fertilisation.Their project has led to the birth of five million babies worldwide. Louise, 34, said: “It was so sad to hear the news. I always saw Robert Edwards as like a grandfather. "His work with Patrick Steptoe has brought joy to millions of people by enabling them to have children.”Louise – 34 and now Mrs Mullinder after marrying husband Wesley – added: “I’m glad he lived long enough to be recognised with a Nobel Prize for his work.
"His legacy will live on with all the IVF work being carried out throughout the world.”
Historic moment: Louise Brown, the world's first IVF baby
Cambridge University fellow Sir Robert and Dr Steptoe, a physician at Oldham General Hospital, conducted their research in the face of hostile opposition from Church leaders and governments, as well as scepticism from scientific colleagues. They struggled to raise funds and had to rely on private donations but – despite these drawbacks – in 1968 they found a way to fertilise human eggs outside the body.Early efforts at making the technique work fully failed due to flawed hormone treatments. In 1977 the pair tried a new procedure, which avoided hormone treatments and instead relied on precise timing. Their researches and experiments laid the foundations for the clinical application of IVF in Oldham.
And on July 25 in the following year, Louise was born at Oldham General Hospital - sending a message of hope to childless couples around the world.
Happy: Prof Edwards with test tube babies Sophie and Jack Emery
Anna Veiga, chairman of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (Eshre), said: “Bob was a tireless and inspirational leader in reproductive medicine, and it’s fair to say that the infertility treatments we have today would not have been developed without his direction.“Without Bob’s scientific foresight and care for the infertile couple, the treatments of assisted reproduction would never have gained the universal acceptance they have today.”Dr Allan Pacey, chairman of the British Fertility Society, also paid tribute to Robert as a “giant in our profession”.
“His work transformed our view of infertility from something that must be endured to a potentially-treatable medical condition,” he said.
“He will be greatly missed and his contribution to humankind is immeasurable.”
Pioneer: Prof Robert Edwards
Dr Thomas Mathews, Bourn Hall Clinic’s UK medical director, said Sir Robert was always ahead of his time. “When I first met Bob in 1983 I was impressed with his passion and enthusiasm for IVF,” he said.
“I also remember his insistence that every member of the team had to maintain his high standards in our clinical and scientific work and we uphold this ethos now.”
Sir Robert was born in Batley, Leeds, on September 27, 1925.
He was educated in Manchester Central High School between 1936-1944, before serving in the Army in Palestine, Jordan and Egypt.
In 1951 he gained a Bachelor of science degree from the University of Bangor, Wales, and went on to obtain a doctorate from the University of Edinburgh in 1955.
Sir Robert, who was knighted in 2011, died in his sleep after a long illness. He leaves his wife Ruth, five daughters and 12 grandchildren.
Dr Steptoe died in 1988 aged 74.
His work led to the birth of the world's first "test tube baby" in 1978
Thanks: First test tube baby Louise on her 21st birthday with Prof Robert Edwards
The world’s first test-tube baby paid tribute to IVF pioneer Prof Sir Robert Edwards, who died today aged 87Louise Brown was born in 1978, a decade after Sir Robert and Dr Patrick Steptoe began to develop the technique of in vitro fertilisation.Their project has led to the birth of five million babies worldwide. Louise, 34, said: “It was so sad to hear the news. I always saw Robert Edwards as like a grandfather. "His work with Patrick Steptoe has brought joy to millions of people by enabling them to have children.”Louise – 34 and now Mrs Mullinder after marrying husband Wesley – added: “I’m glad he lived long enough to be recognised with a Nobel Prize for his work.
"His legacy will live on with all the IVF work being carried out throughout the world.”
Historic moment: Louise Brown, the world's first IVF baby
Cambridge University fellow Sir Robert and Dr Steptoe, a physician at Oldham General Hospital, conducted their research in the face of hostile opposition from Church leaders and governments, as well as scepticism from scientific colleagues. They struggled to raise funds and had to rely on private donations but – despite these drawbacks – in 1968 they found a way to fertilise human eggs outside the body.Early efforts at making the technique work fully failed due to flawed hormone treatments. In 1977 the pair tried a new procedure, which avoided hormone treatments and instead relied on precise timing. Their researches and experiments laid the foundations for the clinical application of IVF in Oldham.
And on July 25 in the following year, Louise was born at Oldham General Hospital - sending a message of hope to childless couples around the world.
Happy: Prof Edwards with test tube babies Sophie and Jack Emery
Anna Veiga, chairman of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (Eshre), said: “Bob was a tireless and inspirational leader in reproductive medicine, and it’s fair to say that the infertility treatments we have today would not have been developed without his direction.“Without Bob’s scientific foresight and care for the infertile couple, the treatments of assisted reproduction would never have gained the universal acceptance they have today.”Dr Allan Pacey, chairman of the British Fertility Society, also paid tribute to Robert as a “giant in our profession”.
“His work transformed our view of infertility from something that must be endured to a potentially-treatable medical condition,” he said.
“He will be greatly missed and his contribution to humankind is immeasurable.”
Pioneer: Prof Robert Edwards
Dr Thomas Mathews, Bourn Hall Clinic’s UK medical director, said Sir Robert was always ahead of his time. “When I first met Bob in 1983 I was impressed with his passion and enthusiasm for IVF,” he said.
“I also remember his insistence that every member of the team had to maintain his high standards in our clinical and scientific work and we uphold this ethos now.”
Sir Robert was born in Batley, Leeds, on September 27, 1925.
He was educated in Manchester Central High School between 1936-1944, before serving in the Army in Palestine, Jordan and Egypt.
In 1951 he gained a Bachelor of science degree from the University of Bangor, Wales, and went on to obtain a doctorate from the University of Edinburgh in 1955.
Sir Robert, who was knighted in 2011, died in his sleep after a long illness. He leaves his wife Ruth, five daughters and 12 grandchildren.
Dr Steptoe died in 1988 aged 74.