Ecstasy 'godfather' to speak at Trinity

The controversial scientist credited with the discovery of the drug ecstasy is to speak at Trinity College in Dublin on Friday.

Dubbed the "Godfather of Ecstasy", Dr Alexander Shulgin is to speak at the University Philosophical Society on Friday at 6pm.

In 1976, Dr Shulgin resynthesized an otherwise forgotten substance known as MDMA. MDMA, more commonly known as ecstasy, is one of the most common illegal drugs in use in Ireland and has resulted in fatalities.

Shulgin will be discussing both his scientific research and the more general cultural and society concerns that impact upon his work.