Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal and Spokesperson on Education Charlie McConalogue says the awarding of the Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology to Professor William C. Campbell will act as inspiration to hundreds of students across the county. This huge achievement honours the remarkable dedication that Professor Campbell demonstrated in his research into infectious diseases.
Deputy McConalogue commented, “The awarding of the Nobel Prize for medicine to Donegal man Prof William C Campbell is a reminder of the vital role which education and science plays in both our society and economy. Professor Campbell played a central role in a breakthrough which is helping to combat infectious diseases, which are confronting millions of people in Africa and Asia. Even though his research has taken him all over the world, it is heartening to see that he has never forgotten his Donegal roots.
“Bill’s humility was evident, when on being told that he was to receive the Nobel Prize for Medicine, he thought it was a prank. It is a fantastic achievement for him and his family.
“This award should remind us of the great things which can be achieved by basic researchers. Ironically this comes at a time when government policy has shifted decisively against supporting such research. The government is currently considering a new science policy. A new commitment to funding basic research is badly needed to ensure that the next time an Irish scientist is considered for an award such as this their work will have been supported within Ireland’s universities”.
