Lesley Yellowlees pays tribute to Lord Ballyedmond

The Royal Society of Chemistry's president, Professor Lesley Yellowlees, today paid tribute to Lord Ballyedmond who died tragically in a helicopter crash yesterday evening.

Professor Yellowlees said: "It was with great sadness that I learnt of the sudden death of Dr Edward Haughey - Lord Ballyedmond - in a tragic accident last night.

"Lord Ballyedmond became an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2008 in recognition of his unparalleled contribution to the chemical sciences. His company, Norbrook Laboratories, was a true British success story as the only 'home grown' pharmaceutical company in the UK.

"Norbrook Laboratories continues to employ significant numbers of scientists, including chemists, and makes an important contribution to the economy locally in Northern Ireland and to the UK as a whole. The company achieved the Queen's Award for Enterprise in 2011. Lord Ballyedmond was invited to become an Honorary Fellow following his invaluable support for the chemistry and wider science and education community in Northern Ireland. His enduring support for science and his contribution to the local and national economy remains his legacy.

"Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time."