Professor Sir Robert Edwards died yesterday 10th March, aged 87 years. Professor Edwards developed the technique of in vitro fertilisation with Dr Patrick Steptoe, resulting in the birth of Louise Brown, the first test tube baby.
Dr Venkat comments: “It's a very sad time for the IVF world because we have lost the father of this pioneering treatment. Millions of couples have benefitted from his seminal work. When I met him at my fellowship graduation ceremony at The Royal College, I was struck by his caring and compassionate nature. He was a very kind, warm hearted and likeable person - we will all miss him, both as a friend and as an inspirational colleague.”
Our senior embryologist, Dr Amiya Mukherjee knew Professor Edwards well. They first met at the 1st European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) conference in Bonn, Germany.
Dr Amiya Mukherjee says:
“Professor Edwards was always very kind. When I was first introduced to him by a colleague Dr Jack Cohen, Professor Edwards replied;
"I know Amiya, I only discovered IVF, he spreads it around the world!" I think this comment sums him up perfectly – an exceptionally humble man.”
