Marjorie Ritchie
Marjorie Ritchie | |
|---|---|
| Born | Marjorie Fordyce 29 March 1948 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Died | 25 March 2015 (aged 66) |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Occupation | Animal scientist |
| Years active | 1966-2014 |
| Employer(s) | Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh |
| Known for | work on Dolly The Sheep |
| Spouse | Bill Ritchie |
| Parents |
|
Marjorie Ritchie (29 March 1948 – 25 March 2015)[1] was a Scottish animal researcher and animal surgeon known for her contribution as part of the pioneering team who cloned Dolly The Sheep.
Early life and education[edit]
Ritchie was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on 29 March 1948 to Helen and James Fordyce. She had two brothers, Ronald and Forbes.[2] She attended Corstorphine Primary, Granville School for Girls and Forrester High School.[1]
She became interested in animals through visiting a relative who worked in animal breeding research at the Roslin Institute.[1]
Career[edit]
In 1966, at the age of 18, Ritchie joined the Animal Breed Research Organisation, the predecessor of the Roslin Institute. She worked initially undertaking research into fibre types in the organisation's wool laboratory. [2][3]
She later joined the Farm Animal Department, becoming the senior scientific officer in charge of the Large Animal Unit.[2]
Ritchie is recognised as being an important influence on young scientists and technicians working in or studying animal science.[2]
She retired in 2014 after 48 years of service.[3]
Ritchie appeared on the BBC Sounds The Reunion radio programme in 2012 along with colleagues talking about the impact of Dolly the Sheep 15 years later.[4]
Personal life[edit]
In 1988, she married Bill Ritchie who also worked as part of the 'Dolly Team', as an anaesthetist and embryologist.
Ritchie has been commemorated in a photograph by Scottish artist Wendy McMurdo alongside anaesthetist John Bracken at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.[5]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c "Obituary: Marjorie Ritchie, animal scientist". www.scotsman.com. 11 April 2015. Retrieved 5 February 2020.
- ^ a b c d "Marjorie Ritchie (1948–2015)". The University of Edinburgh. 9 October 2015. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
- ^ a b "Marjorie Ritchie | Dolly the Sheep". Retrieved 5 February 2020.
- ^ "The Reunion - Dolly the Sheep - BBC Sounds". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 5 February 2020.
- ^ "Anaesthetist, John Bracken, and Surgeon, Marjorie Ritchie at The Roslin Institute". National Galleries of Scotland. Retrieved 5 February 2020.