25 Jan 2014 00:01

PROFESSOR Sir Ken Murray, one of the first researchers in genetic engineering, saved many lives worldwide.

PRESSTEAM

A SCIENTIST who developed the first vaccine for hepatitis B has left 30million to the charity he founded in Edinburgh.

Professor Sir Ken Murrays groundbreaking work was credited with saving lives worldwide.

The 82-year-old, who worked at Edinburgh University for more than 30 years and was one of the first researchers in genetic engineering, died at home in the city last April.

His will reveals his estate was worth 45million with his fortune built on royalties from the vaccine.

The main beneficiaries are the Darwin Trust of Edinburgh, founded by Sir Ken in 1983.

They will receive 30million to support the education of young scientists and fund research and facilities at Edinburgh University.

Trust chairman Dr John Tooze, 75, said: Ken was an extraordinary man who remained very modest despite the huge royalties that his hepatitis B vaccine brought him.

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Man who developed first vaccine for hepatitis B leaves £30million to charity