16 January 2001
Merck Chair of Biochemistry extended
Professor Peter Downes, head of the School of Life Sciences, will hold the Merck Professor of Biochemistry Chair for a further two years, the internationally claimed Merck Eurolab Ltd has announced.
Professor Downes first received this award five years ago and has been the only person to hold this prestigious award ever since it was established in 1996. Merck have already contributed £250,000 over the last five years and the new award will add a further £100,000 during the next two years.
Professor Downes said "The award provides much needed funds for the ongoing development of state of the art laboratories and facilities for molecular cell research in Dundee. The University's School of Life Sciences has had a long and fruitful relationship with the Merck company which supplies high quality reagents, chemicals, apparatus and equipment."
Staff in the School of Life Sciences are working with Merck to improve the efficiency of purchasing procedures, delivery and emergency supplies.
Professor Downes is a member of the International Scientific Advisory Board of CN-Biosciences, a Merck affiliate company and the International Jury for the Merck Prize in Analytical Chemistry. Other titles under his belt include the Colworth Medal for the UK's most promising young biochemist, and the first Porcellati Prize for Neurochemistry for his work on the mechanisms by which cells in the body communicate with one another.
Contact Professor Peter Downes: 01382 345156