Photo opportunity 8.15 am, Friday 15 August, Wellcome Trust Biocentre, University of Dundee.
The 3rd annual School of Life Sciences Sponsored Cycle sees three Professors and a Laboratory Manager from the University of Dundee polishing their spokes and oiling their chains this week in preparation for a 185 mile cycle challenge contributing to the fundraising campaign for the University's Diabetes Research Centre.
Brian Weryk, Laboratory Manager in the Division of Molecular Physiology at the School of Life Scienceswill lead the thirteen strong team 185 miles to Inverness leaving on Friday 15 August. The crew will stop over in Braemar on Friday night and hope to complete the challenge by Saturday evening in time for celebratory drinks in Inverness.
Among the cyclists is Grahame Hardie, Professor of Cellular Signalling who, in the 1980s, discovered a system called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is switched on by exercise, and triggers the 'burning off' of carbohydrates and fats by muscle, preventing them from being stored in fat tissue. The system is thought to be responsible for the beneficial effects of exercise in warding off obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
Over the past two years the event has raised funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Cancer Research UK but this year the team is supporting a cause at home.
Brian Weryk said "This year we have decided that our monies will go towards the University's fundraising campaign for a new research building for the School of Life Sciences. The centre will house research teams exploring the causes of diabetes and global parasitic diseases such as malaria, and how to develop improved treatments. The new building will be adjacent to the world famous Wellcome Trust Biocentre."
The cyclists have already secured sponsorship from individuals and Arnold Clark has provided a support van free of charge. Professors Paul Crocker and Mike Stark are also taking part.
Donations to the charity cycle ride can be made to Brian Weryk at the School of Life Sciences(01382 344584). For further details about the new Diabetes Research Centre can be found at the website : www.dundee.ac.uk/lifesciences/cir
Notes to Editors
The CIR fundraising campaign was launched in April 2003 by Brian Cox, Hollywood actor and honorary graduate of the University of Dundee - most recently seen as the arch-villain in X Men-2 - and aims to raise the final £4 million of the £17 million needed to complete the project.
By Jenny Marra, Head of Press 01382 344910 j.m.marra@dundee.ac.uk