The Physiological Society was delighted to unveil a blue plaque in Edinburgh today celebrating the work of leading physiologist Professor Mary Pickford.
This is the fourth blue plaque to be unveiled by The Society and the first celebrating a woman physiologist
The Physiological Society’s blue plaques honour outstanding physiologists who have contributed to the advancement of the discipline through their discoveries while leaving a legacy beyond their lifetime.
The Pickford plaque was unveiled this afternoon by Professor Moira Whyte, University of Edinburgh, UK at the Old Medical School Quad, Doorway 3.
Professor Pickford started her career when there were few women doctors and considerable prejudice against women scientists; she went on to make her mark on medicine and physiological science.
Born in India, Pickford graduated in science from Bedford College, London, in 1924. While conducting pharmacological research part-time at UCL, with AJ Clarke and EB Verney, she trained in medicine and qualified in 1933.
After junior clinical jobs, she took a post as physiology lecturer at Edinburgh University, where she studied oxytocin and anti-diuretic hormone in dogs. She gained a DSc in 1951 (Edinburgh) and later was given an Honorary DSc by the Heriot-Watt University.
In 1954 she became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, in 1977 of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and in 1966 of the Royal Society of London. In 1966, she was the first woman to hold a chair in the Edinburgh Medical Faculty. She published extensively and in 1972 was appointed Special Professor of Endocrinology at Nottingham University.
Over coming months, The Physiological Society will be working with institutions to erect blue plaques across the UK and Ireland, celebrating and recognising institutions where distinguished physiologists such as Nobel laureates who have made significant contributions to the discipline.
The plaques provide long-term recognition of the impact these scientists and their science has had, and by extension these plaques provide a marker of excellence for the universities that they adorn.
Professor Moira Whyte OBE FRSE FMedSci, Head of College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine / Sir John Crofton Professor of Respiratory Medicine, University of Edinburgh said:
“We are delighted that The Physiological Society have honoured Professor Mary Pickford’s pioneering career and contributions to the discipline of physiology. She lived and worked in a time when women faced considerable obstacles and challenges in pursuing an academic career, even today these challenges remain. Mary Pickford rose to the very top of her profession and was hugely respected by all her peers.”
Professor David Paterson, President of The Physiological Society, added:
“Professor Mary Pickford was the first woman appointed to a medical professorship at the University of Edinburgh and flew the flag of physiology high despite all the obstacles placed her way. I am delighted that we can mark her legacy in this lasting way.
This is the fourth unveiling in The Physiological Society’s blue plaque scheme which intended to raise the visibility of the physiology and give the wider public an insight into the positive role that ‘the science of life’ plays in their everyday lives. It is hoped that these plaques will spark curiosity and help inspire new generations to get involved in the physiological sciences.”
Notes to Editor
- The Physiological Society brings together over 4,000 scientists from over 60 countries. The Society promotes physiology with the public and parliament alike. It supports physiologists by organising world-class conferences and offering grants for research and also publishes the latest developments in the field in its three leading scientific journals, The Journal of Physiology, Experimental Physiology and Physiological Reports. physoc.org
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