12 November 2004

University voted best in Europe

The University of Dundee has clinched another first in an international poll of scientists who rank Dundee as the best scientific institution in Europe for scientists to work in.

Last year the same poll put Dundee third outside the USA but second in Europe to the INRA Research Centre in France. This year, Dundee has left the INRA behind for top spot in Europe and third only to two institutions in Canada - the Universities of Toronto and Alberta.

The Scientist Magazine conducts an annual poll of academics and postdoctoral researchers to find out the institutions they rate as the best places to work.

The only other UK institution in the top 10 outside the USA was the University of Liverpool which came in at number ten.

The survey revealed that scientists rank collegiality and resources for their work above pay and job security. The 'relationships with colleagues' category garnered the most votes, with next priority being 'core facilities' - libraries, microscopes and up to date buildings that allow them to pursue cutting edge research.

Commenting on the rating, Professor Peter Downes, Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences said, "I think there are a number of factors that have contributed to our ranking: state of the art facilities, comparable with anywhere in the world; a commitment to sharing facilities and expertise especially as a means of developing the talents of young scientists; a culture of interdisciplinary working; pride in being part of a world-leading institution and its role in the region; a wide range of nationalities - scientists from no less than 53 countries work in the faculty; and the high quality of life in Dundee."

Notes to Editors:

The Scientist is an international news magazine that reports on the issues and events that impact the world of life scientists.

TOP TEN US AND NON-US INSTITUTIONS

US 1 - California Institute of Technology
US 2 - Purdue University
US 3 - Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
US 4 - University of Nebraska - Lincoln
US 5 - Cornell University
US 6 - University of Delaware
US 7 - University of Michigan
US 8 - Fox Chase Cancer Center
US 9 - Wadsworth Center
US 10 - IU Bloomington/IU School of Medicine

NonUS 1 - University of Toronto
NonUS 2 - University of Alberta
NonUS 3 - University of Dundee
NonUS 4 - Dalhousie University
NonUS 5 - Institut National Recherche Agronomique
NonUS 6 - Hebrew University of Jerusalem
NonUS 7 - McMaster University
NonUS 8 - Ghent University
NonUS 9 - University of British Columbia
NonUS 10 - University of Liverpool

By Jenny Marra, Head of Press 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, j.m.marra@dundee.ac.uk