The 4m campaign to build a centre of excellence for research in diabetes and tropical disease at the University of Dundee- the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research - has received a significant boost from the Chief Executive Officer of Upstate Group Inc. Sheridan Snyder has pledged a donation of $150,000 to the new Centre.
Mr Snyder, a 2002 Honorary Graduate of the University of Dundee, has founded several successful biotech companies including Genzyme, a major biotech company with more than 6,500 employees.
Sheridan Snyder, "I am convinced that this critical expansion of the Biocentre will assure the development of Dundee as a premier biotech centre with many job opportunities."
The Dundee Biocentre is the world's premier research center for kinases, the most studied protein in drug development for a wide range of disease including cancer and diabetes.
Under the direction of Sir Philip Cohen there is no better investment in disease research or the future of the Dundee region. I am confident others will understand my enthusiasm and commitment and participate in this effort."
Professor Sir Philip Cohen, Director of Research at the Wellcome Trust Biocentre said: "I am thrilled that Sheridan has signified by this incredibly generous donation his trust and belief in the work that we are doing at the University. Diabetes is a very serious disease and is rapidly on the increase across the developed world. In addition, research into tropical diseases research is largely ignored by the pharmaceutical industry so it’s vital that academic research institutions are ale to develop the necessary research clusters to bridge that gap in order to bring new drug treatments to clinical trials."
Joan Concannon, Director of External Relations at the University of Dundee said: "We are delighted that Sheridan has given such a generous donation to the University. We will be working very hard over the next year to build on this donation to ensure that we reach our target of £4m."
By Jenny Marra, Head of Press 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, j.m.marra@dundee.ac.uk