Endocrine Abstracts

We present a commentary based on both history and experiences of the many contributions to steroid biochemistry and endocrinology made in Edinburgh over the past 75 years. Reflections will be made commencing with the contributions of Guy Marrian (1904–1981) and colleagues. Marian, occupied the Chair of Medicine with relation to Medicine (later Medical Biochemistry, then Biochemistry) at Edinburgh University from 1939 until his appointment as Director of the ICRF Laboratories at Lincoln Inns Field in 1958. Two members of his Edinburgh Department, Jim Grant (1916–2004) and George Boyd (1924–1983) continued to make important contributions to steroid biochemistry in Scotland, both of whom were mentors to young investigators who subsequently gained international reputations. In 1983, Christopher Edwards was appointed Professor of Medicine at the Western General Hospital that led to another family of internationally recognised steroid exponents. Mention will also include contributions made by the numerous steroid experts of the MRC Clinical Endocrinology Research Unit (1946–1971), the brainchild of Marrian, John Gaddum and others. The initial scientists included Barbara Clayton, Jim Brown, Arnold Klopper and John Loraine. After its closure the MRC Reproductive Biology (latterly Human Reproductive Sciences) Unit (1972–2011) was opened with Roger Short as Director and included David Baird, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Subsequent Directors were Dennis Lincoln and Robert Millar. In 2011, this unit evolved formally into the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (Jeffrey Pollard, Director) within the University of Edinburgh.