Nobel Laureate and Ramelton native, Professor William C. Cambpell was honoured at a civic reception in County House, Lifford yesterday (Monday) evening.
He was told by CEO of Donegal County Council Seamus Neely that “his place in history was assured”.
The Civic Reception was hosted by the Cathaoirleach and members of Donegal County Council in recognition of Prof Campbell’s outstanding achievement in jointly winning the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Professor Campbell was part of a team that discovered a class of drugs called Avermectins, whose derivatives have been shown to have “extraordinary efficacy” in treating River Blindness and Lymphatic filariasis, among other parasitic diseases affecting animals and humans. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2015 along with Satoshi Omura of Japan and Tu Youyou of China for their discoveries that have revolutionised the treatment of some of the most devastating parasitic diseases.
Professor Campbell signing the distinquished visitors book.
Seamus Neely, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council spoke of the Donegal Diaspora Project and how the Council has been working to reach out to those who have a connection with or an interest in Donegal.
“You are one of our esteemed diaspora and when you talk about your early days living in Ramelton it is clear that you were blessed with a loving home and that you lived in a community where you felt nurtured and safe”.
“I am sure your family is very proud of you and of your achievements and if your parents were still alive today they too would be immensely proud of all you have achieved and the impact that your work has had on hundreds of millions of people”.
He added “Professor Campbell your place in history is assured and you will be remembered as one of the greatest scientists of our time who made a positive impact on society. This will inspire and encourage many more people to pursue a career in science and contribute in a similar impactful way”.
Mayor of Donegal Cllr Terence Slowey making a presentation to Nobel Prize winner Prof William Campbell during a Civic Reception in his honour at the Chambers in Lifford. Also in photo is Donegal Co Council CEO Seamus Neely. (North West Newspix)
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