THE ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY IS IRELAND'S LEADING BODY OF EXPERTS IN THE SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

The Royal Irish Academy/Acadamh Ríoga na hÉireann champions research. We identify and recognise Ireland’s world class researchers. We support scholarship and promote awareness of how science and the humanities enrich our lives and benefit society. We believe that good research needs to be promoted, sustained and communicated. The Academy is run by a Council of its members. Membership is by election and considered the highest academic honour in Ireland.

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Catching the worm

William C. Campbell's quiet retirement changed abruptly when, at the age of 85, he won a Nobel Prize for his work on the discovery of ivermectin. Ivermectin has transformed the lives of millions who suffered from river blindness, and is now being investigated for possible use against COVID-19. In this exhibition, we want to give you a flavour of the story that Bill, together with Claire O'Connell, tells in his memoir Catching the worm: from his childhood in Donegal, the heights of scientific research in America, to the discovery of ivermectin and its global impact.

This is a public project of the Royal Irish Academy supported by the RDS in collaboration with Irish Aid and Sightsavers Ireland.