Vincent Barry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vincent Barry
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 1908 |
| Died | 1975 |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Occupation | Scientist |
Vincent Christopher Barry (1908–1975) was an important scientist from Ireland. He is famous for leading a team that created a special medicine called clofazimine. This medicine helps treat a serious disease called leprosy.
Early Life and Education
Vincent Barry was born in Sunday's Well, Cork, Ireland, in 1908. He was the youngest of 11 children in his family. After finishing high school at the North Monastery, he earned a special scholarship. This scholarship allowed him to study at University College Dublin (UCD).
At UCD, he studied organic chemistry. This is a type of science that looks at the chemicals that make up living things. Vincent was a brilliant student and earned a top degree. After graduating, he moved to NUI Galway to work with a professor named Thomas Dillon.
Important Scientific Work
In 1943, Vincent Barry returned to Dublin. He started working for the Medical Research Council, which helps fund health research. He joined forces with an organization called The Leprosy Mission. They worked together in countries like Zimbabwe and India. Their goal was to find new medicines to fight diseases like tuberculosis and leprosy.
Vincent Barry led a team of smart scientists at Trinity College, Dublin. Together, they made a huge discovery: the anti-leprosy drug called clofazimine. This medicine was a big step forward in treating leprosy.
For his amazing work, Vincent Barry received the Boyle Medal in 1969 from the Royal Dublin Society. Later, in 1980, he and his team were given the UNESCO Science Prize. This award recognized their important contributions to science.
Personal Life
Vincent Barry married Angela O'Connor, who was also a student at UCD. She was from Offaly. They had six children together. One of their daughters, Mairead, grew up to become a doctor in Dalkey.
Honoring His Memory
Vincent Barry passed away in 1975. Many important people attended his funeral, including Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh, who was the President of Ireland at the time. Mary Robinson, who would later become President, was also there.
In 2008, The Leprosy Mission held a special event. It took place at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin. This event honored Vincent Barry on what would have been his 100th birthday. It celebrated his life and the lasting impact of his scientific discoveries.
