Blue plaque unveiled in Edinburgh to celebrate Sir Edward Albert Sharpey-Schafer

The Physiological Society was delighted to unveil a blue plaque at the University of Edinburgh today celebrating eminent physiologist Sir Edward Albert Sharpey-Schafer (1850 –1935). Sharpey-Schafer is regarded as the founder of endocrinology, a specialised branch of biology and medicine. He co-discovered adrenalin with George Oliver in 1894 and he was one of the founder members of The Physiological Society in 1876.

The plaque is positioned in the Old Medical School Quad at the University of Edinburgh, where Sharpey-Schafer was appointed Chair of Physiology from 1899 until his retirement.

Professor David Argyle, Acting Head of College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at the university said:

Edward Sharpey-Schafer is considered a founder of the discipline of endocrinology.  Endocrinology, the study of hormones, has been a major focus of biomedical and clinical research at The University of Edinburgh for nearly 125 years.  Discovering how hormones act to control our physiology and metabolism is key to understanding how we grow and develop, how we maintain body temperature, why we feel hungry or experience mood swings.  Moreover, when they act inappropriately this can lead to, for example, diabetes, obesity, and stress-related disorders.  

It is wonderful that The Physiological Society have acknowledged the work of Edward Sharpey-Schafer and this plaque will remind us of the historical links that The University continues to build on through our discovery- and clinical-based research to improve the health of society.

Dariel Burdass, Chief Executive of The Physiological Society, said:

“As a founding member of The Physiological Society and through his scientific discoveries, Edward Sharpey-Schafer played an instrumental role in the development of physiology. We are honoured to be in Edinburgh to unveil this plaque in his memory.”

“This is the ninth unveiling in The Physiological Society’s Blue Plaque scheme which is intended to raise the visibility of physiology and give the wider public an insight into the positive role that ‘the science of life’ plays in their everyday lives. We hope that these plaques will spark curiosity and help inspire new generations to get involved in the physiological sciences.”

During the year, The Physiological Society will be unveiling blue plaques at institutions across the UK and Ireland, celebrating and recognising institutions where distinguished physiologists 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.