On Thursday 22 June 2023, in honour of the influential physiologist Ernest Starling, The Physiological Society dedicated a commemorative blue plaque at King’s College London, Guy’s Campus. The plaque was unveiled to an audience of researchers, students, and followers of Starling’s work.
Ernest Starling (1866–1927) was a British physiologist and medical doctor known for his pioneering research in heart function and fluid balance. He trained in medicine and taught at Guy’s Hospital. His groundbreaking work led to the formulation of the “Starling’s Law of the Heart,” which showed the relationship between heart muscle stretch and cardiac output. Starling’s other contributions include the concept of hormones, pioneering the understanding of how a substance produced in one part of the body can make a specific response elsewhere in the body. His work profoundly impacted medicine and continues to inform modern physiology.
The event included talks from academics from King’s College London. In his talk titled “Ernest Starling at the Heart of Medical Education,” Professor Mike Shattock explored the influence of Starling’s work on contemporary medical teachings. Dr Fulye Argunhan talked about the contribution of Starling’s work to our understanding of heart disease. Finally, Alice Arcidiacono, a PhD candidate, examined the molecular foundation of the “Frank-Starling Law of the Heart.”
By commemorating Ernest Starling at King’s College London, The Physiological Society reiterates its dedication to acknowledging key figures in the discipline, acting as a reminder of our scientific roots and that physiology continues to change the world.
Following the plaque unveiling, Professor David Attwell, President of the Physiological Society, said:
“We are honoured to be at Kings College London to unveil this plaque to remember Ernest Starling. He was the first physiologist to discover the action of hormones, and his work on how the heart works was groundbreaking.
“The Physiological Society’s Blue Plaque scheme raises the visibility of physiology. It gives the wider public an insight into the positive role that ‘the science of life’ plays in their everyday lives.
“We hope these plaques will spark curiosity and help inspire new generations to get involved in the physiological sciences.”
Professor Rachel Tribe, Vice Dean (Research & Impact) and Professor of Maternal and Perinatal Sciences at Kings College London unveiled the plaque and said:
“Ernest Starling is part of the pioneering and physiological heritage of King’s College and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals, and it is fitting that The Physiological Society is honouring him in this way.”
