Heartgard scientist to receive honorary degree

The scientist who played a pivotal role in the discovery of ivermectin — the drug that combats river blindness in humans, heartworm in dogs and a broad spectrum of parasites in horses and other livestock — will receive an honorary degree from UW–Madison on Friday, May 13.

William Campbell, a UW alumnus, has enjoyed a distinguished research career at Merck and Co. since 1957. Upon his retirement in 1990, he joined the adjunct faculty of Drew University in Madison, N.J.

Campbell’s work at Merck has resulted in some of the safest and most effective drugs to treat not only intestinal parasites but also other infections in humans and animals, including ear mites in pets and liver fluke infections in cattle.

Campbell’s compassion for underprivileged humans in developing countries led to clinical trials on whether ivermectin could benefit people, and in 1982 a safe, highly effective treatment became available for river blindness. The disease, caused by a parasitic infestation similar to one found in horses, affects some 30 million people and causes blindness or visual impairment in up to 3 million people. His efforts inspired his employer to provide ivermectin free of charge, for as long as it is needed, to eradicate the disease, which had been endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and South America.

The National Academy of Sciences elected Campbell to its membership in 2003. In 1987 he received the Director’s Award from Merck, which resulted in the establishment of Campbell Travel Grants at the University of Nebraska and the Campbell Colloquium series at Drew University in Madison, N.J.

Academic departments recommend candidates for honorary degrees to the 28-member Committee on Honorary Degrees. Upon recommendation of the committee, nominees are presented to the UW System Board of Regents and the UW–Madison Faculty Senate for final approval.

Campbell will receive a doctor of science degree during the Friday night commencement ceremony, which begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Kohl Center. Five ceremonies will be held through Sunday, May 15.