Edward Conway

Born in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, Edward Conway graduated in physiology and chemistry from University College Dublin in 1916, and went on to graduate in medicine in 1921. He then joined the Department of Physiology and, following a period of study in Germany, was appointed the first professor of biochemistry and pharmacology in UCD.

He established a very successful research laboratory. He wrote two books and about 120 publications. His early interest was in kidney function. In order to make many estimations of very small volumes he developed a microburette and diffusion technique which became the standard method. His book, “Micro-diffusion Analysis and Volumetric Error” (1939) reached six editions. His work on electrolyte physiology in cells was particularly productive and he also studied the chemical evolution of the ocean. He is one of the few Irish men to have become a Member of the Pontifical Academy of Science, an honour conferred on him in 1961. A recent memorial to his work is the Conway Institute of Biomolecular Research at UCD.