In this issue... |
University researchers have invented a revolutionary flapjack. more... |
NASA astronaut Piers Sellers will be one of the speakers for the Saturday evening lecture series. more... |
Annalu Waller from the department of Applied Computing has recently returned from an eight week trip as visiting scholar at the University of Sydney. more... |
The University has received a highly prestigious accolade in the form of the President's award from the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI).
SCDI President, David Paton, presented the award to Sir Philip Cohen and Sir Alan Langlands at a ceremony and gala dinner, held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. The ceremony was attended by Jim Wallace, Deputy First Minister and Minister for Enterprise & Lifelong Learning, along with many of Scotland's business leaders. Sir David Lane was unable to attend the event, but his message of thanks was recorded beforehand and broadcast on the night.
The SCDI is an independent membership network, which strengthens Scotland's competitiveness by influencing Government policies to encourage sustainable economic prosperity. The value of the President’s award is in the recognition and prestige it bestows upon the winner.
David Paton said, "I was greatly impressed by the University's world-class facilities and pioneering biomedical research activities. Without doubt your work has contributed greatly to Scotland being ranked third in the world for research."
A short film, documenting the University's contribution to biomedical research, was shown at the ceremony. It lauded: "Sir Philip Cohen - the world’s second most quoted bioscientist whose work has made a huge contribution to understanding diabetes - Sir David Lane whose discovery of the anti-cancer gene p53 radically advanced cancer treatments and research - and Sir Alan Langlands, vice chancellor of the University, whose leadership and vision have helped position the University to succeed in a highly competitive and changing environment."
Commenting on the award, Sir Philip Cohen said, "It is a tremendous honour for the University to have received the premier award of the SCDI. When I came to Dundee 32 years ago I never dreamed that anything that myself or my colleagues were doing would ever have an economic impact on the City or beyond. It is incredible that from a tiny Biochemistry Department of less than 10 academic staff over 700 people are now employed directly in or because of Biological and Life Sciences research and Biotechnology. This sector now represents 12% of the local economy with the likelihood of considerably more growth to come, when the new CIR building with all its knock-on effects comes on stream."
University Principal, Sir Alan Langlands said, "I feel particularly honoured that David Paton has selected the University for this year’s President’s award. The Dundee biomedical sciences example shows what is possible if you can combine high quality research and entrepreneurship with effective technology transfer and funding."
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Look for the next issue of Contact Magazine out on 4 February
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