Professor Sir Mike Ferguson honoured with a knighthood

Published On Tue 2 Jul 2019 by Dominic Glasgow

Mike Ferguson, Regius Professor of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee, has today received a knighthood for his services to science.

Professor Sir Mike, one of the UK’s most eminent life scientists, received the award at Holyrood on Tuesday 2 July after his accolade was announced in the most recent New Year’s Honours list.

He helped establish the University’s Drug Discovery Unit which works with health agencies and pharmaceutical companies to advance new treatments to combat diseases as Chagas’ disease and tuberculosis, including developing an anti-malarial drug now in human trials.

“I am thrilled to receive this great honour, but minded immediately that it recognises the efforts of many at the University of Dundee – my home for 30 years and an institution where collaboration and cooperation are truly valued, and where advancing knowledge into solutions is highly-prized,” said Professor Sir Mike.

“Together, we have managed to build in Dundee a truly world-class environment for science, and I feel very privileged to have been able to contribute to that.

“I am particularly grateful to my life- and science-partner, Dr Lucia Guther, and my family for support of every kind.”

Recently, he contributed to the establishment of the Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research. In 2012 he became a Director of the Medicines for Malaria Venture, supporting their mission to eliminate malaria.

His collaboration with the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (Switzerland) led to a new rapid diagnostic test for human trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) that should contribute to disease elimination.

He has supported new start-up businesses that are driving the economic future of the Dundee city region and co-led a successful bid in the Tay Cities Deal to Grow the Tayside Biomedical Cluster.

In 2012 he was appointed a Governor of the Wellcome Trust, becoming Deputy Chair in 2017.

Professor Sir Mike received his knighthood at Holyrood accompanied by his family and friends.

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