Congratulations to Robert Edwards

It is wonderful news that Professor Robert Edwards, the IVF pioneer, has finally been awarded a knighthood in this year's Queen's birthday honours. It is hardly surprising that the work of the man who changed the lives of so many has been recognised, but it is surprising that it has taken so long. The award comes closely after the Nobel Prize for Medicine awarded to Professor Edwards last year. Maybe, four million babies down the line, the establishment has finally woken up to his amazing legacy - and to the fact that the UK led the way in this field with the birth of the first ever IVF baby in 1978. Congratulations to a truly brilliant and inspirational man.

IVF pioneer wins award

Professor Robert Edwards, the pioneer whose work led to the birth of the world's first IVF baby, was given a lifetime achievement award at this year's Pride of Britain event. He may be in his early eighties, but Professor Edwards still maintains an active interest in infertility and treatment.

He faced condemnation when he began experimenting with in vitro fertilisation, and even after the birth of Louise Brown, the first IVF baby, in 1978 there was still widespread criticism from many other scientists as well as in the press. He weathered the storms, and was soon treating patients from across the world at the clinic he set up in Cambridgeshire. It wasn't long before others were achieving success with IVF, and more than three million babies have been concevied using the methods he perfected. This award is a much-deserved recognition of his pioneering work.

Thirty years of IVF

This year's National Infertility Day in July will mark thirty years of IVF with a speech from Professor Robert Edwards, the pioneer whose research led to the birth of Louise Brown, the first IVF baby, in 1978.

National Infertility Day is open to anyone who'd like to attend, and a whole host of speakers will cover a wide range of fertility-related topic from specific medical treatments and conditions to complementary therapies and ethical issues. There will also be a good selection of exhibitors, all giving their own advice and information on infertility and treatment. The event is being held at the New Connaught Rooms, close to the heart of London's Covent Garden, on July 19th.

The organisers have also just announced an evening social event with a champagne reception and barbecue at the Grange Whitehall Hotel, where delegates will have a chance to mingle with speakers and exhibitors.

You can book a place now online at www.nationalinfertilityday.com