Posted: 27 September 2007
Nobel Prize winning scientist awarded UCD Ulysses Medal
In recognition of his discovery of the use of nitric oxide in drug development and disease therapy, Nobel Prize winning scientist Professor Ferid Murad has been awarded the UCD Ulysses Medal. Professor Murad’s pioneering scientific work paved the way for biological research to venture into new areas which provide drug targets for many diseases including pulmonary hypertension, cancer and cardiac disease.
Professor Murad proposed the initial theory that a gas could regulate important biological functions. He identified that nitric oxide (a gas produced when nitrogen burns) is released by nitroglycerin causing smooth muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels to relax. Developing on his work, Robert F Furchgott and Louis J Ignarro provided experimental proof that nitric oxide acts as a signalling molecule in the cardiovascular system. And in 1998, the three scientists were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery.
Professor Desmond Fitzgerald (right), Vice-President for Research, UCD, presents Nobel laureate Professor Ferid Murad (left) with the UCD Ulysses Medal
“Professor Murad’s work on nitric oxide initiated the development of a new area of biological research, which now boasts in excess of 80,000 peer reviewed publications; a significant body of scientific knowledge,’ said Professor Des Fitzgerald, Vice-President for Research, UCD, presenting Professor Murad with the UCD Ulysses Medal. “This is the highest honour that the university can bestow.”
Professor Murad is the seventh recipient of the UCD Ulysses Medal. Previous recipients include: founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, Professor Klaus Schwab; Nobel economist, Professor James J Heckman; Nobel laureate, Dr Philip Sharpe; Irish Author, Edna O’Brien; US Philosopher, Professor Hilary Putnam; and Nobel laureate Professor Robert H Grubbs.
After the formal award ceremony, Professor Murad presented his Ulysses lecture entitled the ‘Discovery of nitric oxide and its application in drug development’ in the UCD Conway Institute on 17 September 2007.
“Professor Murad’s lecture gave UCD scientific researchers a great opportunity to hear how such pioneering work has impacted scientific research and provided the potential for drug development in many disease areas,” said Professor Janet Allen, Director, UCD Conway Institute.
While in Ireland, Professor Murad also announced details of the FAS National Scholars Programme on 18 September 2007. This programme provides Irish students in the applied sciences and engineering the opportunity to serve a 6 month internship in the United States. The key objective of the programme is to enhance Ireland’s knowledge base, and encourage entrepreneurship and up-skilling in related disciplines. Several UCD students are among those selected for this year’s internship programmes.
