Sir Robert Geoffrey Edwards (27 September 1925 – 10 April 2013) was a British physiologist and pioneer in reproductive medicine, and in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) in particular.

Along with obstetrician and gynaecologist Patrick Steptoe[7] and nurse and embryologist Jean Purdy, Edwards successfully pioneered conception through IVF, which led to the birth of Louise Brown on 25 July 1978.

[18] Refinements in technology have increased pregnancy rates and it is estimated that in 2010 about 4 million children have been born by IVF,[10] with approximately 170,000 coming from donated oocyte and embryos.

[19][20][21] Their breakthrough laid the groundwork for further innovations such as intracytoplasmatic sperm injection ICSI, embryo biopsy (PGD), and stem cell research.

[38] Louise Brown said "His work, along with Patrick Steptoe and Jean Purdy, has brought happiness and joy to millions of people all over the world by enabling them to have children.

"[39] A plaque was unveiled at the Bourn Hall Clinic in July 2013 by Louise Brown and Alastair MacDonald – the world's first IVF baby boy – commemorating Steptoe and Edwards.