Dr John Shepherd, born in Belfast in 1919, was a visionary doctor whose discoveries led to new ways to treat high blood pressure. He studied at Queens University, Belfast, then taught at the university before moving to America where he worked until his death in 2011. His discoveries helped astronauts manage the challenges of space travel. Dr Shepherd became a world leader in treating and curing heart and blood pressure problems. In 1980 he won the Nobel prize for his ground-breaking research in this field of study.