Vincent Barry

Vincent Christopher Barry (1908–1975) was a scientist and researcher from Ireland. He is known for leading the team which developed the anti-leprosy drug clofazimine.

Vincent Barry
Born1908
Cork, Ireland
Died1975
NationalityIrish
OccupationScientist

Early life and education

Barry was born in Sunday's Well, Cork. He was the youngest of 11 children. After secondary school in the North Monastery he earned a scholarship to University College Dublin (UCD) where he obtained a first class honours degree in organic chemistry. After graduation, Barry moved to NUI Galway where he worked under Professor Thomas Dillon.[1][2]

Research

In 1943, Barry returned to Dublin to work for the Medical Research Council. Barry worked with The Leprosy Mission in Zimbabwe and India to develop drugs against tuberculosis and leprosy. He led a team of scientists at Trinity College, Dublin to discover the anti-leprosy drug clofazimine.[3] Barry and his team were awarded the 1980 UNESCO Science Prize for their work.[4]

Personal life

Barry married fellow UCD student Angela O'Connor from Offaly.[2] They had 6 children. Their daughter Mairead became a general practitioner in Dalkey.

Death

Barry's funeral was attended by President of Ireland Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh and future President of Ireland Mary Robinson. In 2008, the Leprosy Mission held an event at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin to honour the centenary of his birth.[1]

References
  1. "Vincent Barry – developed a cure for leprosy". Ireland-calling.com. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  2. "The Irish miracle worker". Irish Independent. 9 December 2008. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  3. "Irish Scientists and Inventors". Patentsoffice.ie. 20 April 2015. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  4. "UNESCO International Prizes" (PDF). 23 March 1998. p. 14. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
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