Vincent Barry

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Vincent Barry
Born1908
Cork, Ireland
Died1975
NationalityIrish
OccupationScientist

Vincent Christopher Barry (1908–1975) was a scientist and researcher from Ireland. He is known for leading the team which developed the anti-leprosy drug clofazimine.

Early life and education[]

Barry was born in Sunday's Well, Cork. He was the youngest of 11 children. After secondary school in the North Monastery he earned a scholarship to University College Dublin (UCD) where he obtained a first class honours degree in organic chemistry. After graduation, Barry moved to NUI Galway where he worked under Professor Thomas Dillon.[1][2]

Research[]

In 1943, Barry returned to Dublin to work for the Medical Research Council. Barry worked with The Leprosy Mission in Zimbabwe and India to develop drugs against tuberculosis and leprosy. He led a team of scientists at Trinity College, Dublin to discover the anti-leprosy drug clofazimine.[3] Barry and his team were awarded the 1980 UNESCO Science Prize for their work.[4]

Personal life[]

Barry married fellow UCD student Angela O'Connor from Offaly.[2] They had 6 children. Their daughter Mairead became a general practitioner in Dalkey.

Death[]

Barry's funeral was attended by President of Ireland Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh and future President of Ireland Mary Robinson. In 2008, the Leprosy Mission held an event at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin to honour the centenary of his birth.[1]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b "Vincent Barry – developed a cure for leprosy". Ireland-calling.com. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b "The Irish miracle worker". Irish Independent. 9 December 2008. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  3. ^ "Irish Scientists and Inventors". Patentsoffice.ie. 20 April 2015. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  4. ^ "UNESCO International Prizes" (PDF). 23 March 1998. p. 14. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
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