16 September 2010
Sir James Black Honoured on Royal Mail stamps
Former University Chancellor Sir James Black, who made medical history when he synthesised the first heart-regulating beta-blocker, has been honoured on the Royal Mail’s newest First Class stamp.
Nobel Laureate Sir James, who sadly died earlier this year, is one of six scientists celebrated in the ‘Medical Breakthroughs’ series of stamps, which mark the huge contribution of British scientists to the health of people worldwide. Since Sir James developed propranolol, a drug which revolutionised the treatment of angina and high blood pressure in 1962, beta-blockers have helped save hundreds of thousands of lives across the world.
His widow, Lady Rona Black, joined Professor Pete Downes, Principal of the University, to launch the stamp, which displays an artistic interpretation of the invention. Fittingly, this event took place at the Sir James Black Centre, the building named in his honour which is home to hundreds of scientists carrying out interdisciplinary research in the College of Life Sciences.
After Lady Black met PhD students from the College of Life Sciences, she and Ian McKay, Director of Scottish Affairs at the Royal Mail Group, were taken on a tour of the Drug Discovery Unit by Professor Downes.
Lady Black said that she was delighted to see that the spirit of research and discovery that her husband held so dear was so evident at Dundee. "I am so delighted to launch these stamps which pay an immense tribute to my late husband," she said. "It is wonderful to see the work of Jim and that of the other scientists celebrated in this way. He would have been deeply touched by this event today here in Dundee where he spent many days working and as Chancellor."
Sir James was also an alumnus of the University, and was a much loved and respected member of the University community who remained in regular contact with friends and colleagues at the institution up until the time of his death.
In addition to the invention of propranolol, he also made hugely significant discoveries in the development of drugs to treat heartburn and ulcers. Sir James' contribution to science was recognised at the highest level in 1988 when he was awarded (jointly) the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine. In 2000 he was awarded the Order of Merit by HM The Queen - the highest honour which can be bestowed on an individual personally by The Queen. In 2005 he was named the first recipient in the University's history of an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science.
Professor Downes said everyone at the University was delighted to see Sir James Black honoured in this way. "As an alumnus and former Chancellor of this University, we are immensely proud of all he has achieved," he said. "I am particularly pleased that Lady Black has been able to attend this event at the centre which was named in his honour.
"Sir James' work with beta blockers is rightly celebrated as one of the most significant ever medical breakthroughs - one that has touched the lives of millions. Sir James Black took a keen interest in the development of our research here at Dundee and inspired many people, from students to senior academics and industrialists. It is right that he continues to be honoured for his contribution to medicine and it is wonderful that the Royal Mail has chosen to recognise him in this way. He was a first class scientist and a first class man whose work, fittingly, will now be honoured on first class stamps."
Ian McKay said "Propranolol invented by Sir James Black, is considered to be one of the greatest achievements of modern Scottish medicine. Sir James’ highly original research has inspired others to develop specifically targeted drugs, making a huge difference to people all over the world. This striking set of stamps highlights six excellent examples of how, science and scientists have risen to the challenges of mass health care, and in doing so transformed the lives of people around the globe."
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Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
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