David Dolphin facts for kids

David H. Dolphin is a famous Canadian biochemist. He was born on January 15, 1940. He is known around the world for his amazing work with special molecules called porphyrins.

One of his biggest achievements was helping to create a medicine called Visudyne. This medicine is used with laser treatment to help people with a serious eye condition. It helps to get rid of unhealthy blood vessels in the eye.

Early Life and Education

David Dolphin was born in London, England. He went to the University of Nottingham. There, he earned his first science degree in 1962. He then completed his Ph.D. in 1965.

After that, he moved to the United States. He studied at Harvard University as a special researcher. In 1966, he became a professor at Harvard.

Career and Discoveries

In 1974, David Dolphin joined the University of British Columbia in Canada. He became a very important research professor there. He even served as the acting Dean of Science for a while. Later, he was also the acting Vice President of Research.

He has also been the Chief Executive Officer of the BC Innovation Council. He was also a Vice-President at a company called Quadra Logic Technologies Incorporated (QLT Inc.).

Awards and Recognition

David Dolphin has received many important awards for his work. He is a member of several respected science groups. These include the Royal Society of Canada and the Royal Society.

In 2006, he was given the Order of Canada. This is one of the highest honors a Canadian citizen can receive. In 2005, he won the Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering. This award came with a lot of money for his research.

In 2012, he was also awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. This medal celebrates important contributions to Canada.