title: Biology: Changing the world--a tribute to Patrick Steptoe, Robert Edwards and Jean Purdy.
abstract: On the 13th March 2015, the Society of Biology unveiled a blue plaque at the Kershaw's Hospice in Oldham. This was the former site of Dr Kershaw's Cottage Hospital where in 1971 Patrick Steptoe, Robert Edwards and Jean Purdy set up a small laboratory that ultimately led to the development of in vitro fertilisation or IVF and the birth of Louise Brown. Amongst those present at the ceremony was Professor Andrew Steptoe (British Heart Foundation, Professor of Psychology) the son of Patrick Steptoe. This paper reproduces the text of the speech he made to mark the occasion and is reproduced in Human Fertility for its future historical significance.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Epidemiology and Public Health , University College London , Torrington Place, London , UK.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Steptoe
mesh_terms: D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000266:history*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D012098:Reproduction
keywords: Edwards; IVF; Purdy; Society of Biology; Steptoe; history