The Physiological Society was delighted to unveil a blue plaque in London today celebrating the work of leading physiologist Professor Winifred Cullis. The plaque is displayed on 8 Hunter Street, which was the workplace of Winifred Cullis for almost her entire career. It was formerly the London School of Medicine for Women and later part of the Royal Free Hospital, part of University College London. The building is now part of the Whittington Hospital.
This is the sixth blue plaque to be unveiled by The Society and the third 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.
Professor Cullis was an energetic advocate for the role of science in healthy living, the value of education in emancipating both sexes, and for international goodwill.
She was the first woman to serve on The Physiological Society’s Committee and the first to preside at a meeting of The Society in 1920. She was also the first woman Professor in a British medical school and the first UK university Chair in Physiology as Head of Department at the School of Medicine for Women.
Professor Cullis was also Sophia Jex-Blake Chair of Physiology at the University of London from 1926-1941.
Over last few months, The Physiological Society has been working with institutions to erect blue plaques across the UK and Ireland, celebrating and recognising institutions where distinguished physiologists such as Nobel Laureates have made significant contributions to the discipline.
Professor Jonathan Ashmore, University College London, UK, said:
“The appointment of Winifred Cullis to the chair of Physiology at the Royal Free Hospital Medical School for Women was a significant recognition of her contribution to research and a major step towards equality for women in science. The Society is excited to put up a plaque that commemorates her distinction as a physiologist on the site of the school where for many years she worked and taught.”
Professor David Paterson, President of The Physiological Society, added:
“Professor Winifred Cullis was not only an outstanding physiologist, but pioneer for women scientists who broke a significant glass ceiling.”
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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