JJR Macleod Memorial Statue Society Information

Aberdeen's grandest memorial features a seated figure of John “Jack” Macleod on an iconic Royal Parks bench, with a folded newspaper at his side bearing a headline about his 1923 Nobel Prize for the co-discovery of insulin. The statue rests on a specially designed terrace of Aberdeen granite featuring pavers inscribed with sponsors’ names. Nearby, mounted bronze plates present Macleod’s name, key dates, his role in the discovery of insulin. The "World Insulin Wall" backing the statue has bronze medallions sponsored by local companies and families. Bronze path medallions are now available for sponsorship as well. Despite his prestigious Nobel recognition, Macleod was effectively airbrushed from history for nearly 50 years. It wasn’t until 1982, when historian Michael Bliss published the untold story behind the development of the world’s first clinically useful insulin, that Macleod’s vital contribution to this miracle drug was revealed. This project was inspired by Professor Bliss’s tireless 30+ year campaign to give Jack Macleod’s scientific legacy the global acclaim he so rightfully deserves.