Herchel Smith

Dr. Herchel Smith is the scientist who invented contraceptive pills. As a teacher at Manchester University, Herchel Smith was able to patent ways to synthesize new steroids. Moreover, the British chemist later invented important hormonal therapies. He is an outstanding alumnus of Cambridge University and Oxford University.

His excellence in the sciences was equaled by his generosity:

• Herschel Smith left high-profile bequests to students and teachers at Queen Mary in the University of London through the annual Herchel Smith Senior Research Fellowship in Intellectual Property.
• Cambridge University received its largest private donation ever from Herschel Smith: $90 million for professorships in molecular genetics, mathematics, biochemistry, and physics. Having studied at Emmanuel College in the university, Herchel also sponsored the university’s facility for magnetic resonance imaging and endowed chairs in immunology and chemistry.
• Herchel Smith has donated money to Harvard University. The university received $100 million, which was also used to fund professorships.
• Herschel Smith also sponsored an exchange program between Harvard and Cambridge universities. The program offered post-doctorate scholarships at Cambridge University for Harvard graduates and the same scholarship for Cambridge graduates to study at Harvard.

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