photo of the new professors has been sent to your picture desk by
Fotopress, Dundee.
Three life scientists who have been identified as "international stars of the future" have been awarded personal chairs at the University of Dundee, underlining the university's reputation as a global leader in biosciences.
Bill Hunter, Mike Stark and Julian Blow have each made a major contribution to the understanding of fundamental biological mechanisms with implications for understanding disease and developing new treatments. All three work in the University's School of Life Sciences which was last month given the highest possible rating for international excellence in the Research Assessment Exercise.
Principal Sir Alan Langlands said of the three at University Court: "I've never seen such a high standard of international references. These are the stars of the future without doubt."
Dr Blow has been awarded a personal chair of chromosome maintenance. Chromosome replication is a key event in the eukaryotic cell division cycle. Dr Blow's aim is to understand in detail the mechanisms that ensure precise duplication of chromosomal DNA. This may identify targets for anti-cancer drugs.
Professor Julian Blow: "I moved to Dundee from London in 1997, attracted to Dundee by the diversity and excellence of the biomedical research going on here. In particular, I felt that Dundee had a unique combination of good cancer research labs coupled with the expertise and commitment to translate basic research findings into clinical applications. Along with other developments - such as the establishment of a Cancer Research Campaign Centre in Dundee - I hope my promotion to professor further strengthens the profile of cancer research in Dundee. I have had a great fondness for life in Scotland after doing my undergraduate studies at Edinburgh University, and now feel thoroughly settled in Dundee. The beautiful surroundings, the lack of traffic congestion and the friendliness of the people make a welcome change from life in London."
Dr Hunter takes his chair of structural biology. A native of Greenock he returned to Scotland in 1996 after working in Sydney, Cambridge and Manchester. He was in the first wave of scientists recruited to the Wellcome Trust Biocentre.
His research uses X-ray crystallography to understanding protein structure-activity relationships in particular on key enzymes from pathogenic microrganisms. The structural information that is generated has important implications for the design or identification of enzyme inhibitors that may prove useful in chemotherapy.
Professor Bill Hunter: "My decision to move to Dundee was determined by the chance to participate in the University's centre of scientific excellence. It was the right decision. I enjoy being in this environment surrounded by many talented colleagues and with them I look forward to building on the momentum that we have generated in structural biology.
I am delighted with this recognition by the University and take it as the strongest endorsement that I am playing my part in keeping Dundee at the forefront of international biomedical research.
Although I moved here on the basis of what would be best for my science I did not realise how much I would enjoy living in Dundee - that has been a real bonus. I like the place, I like the people."
Dr Stark originally came to Dundee in 1987, turning down the offer of a position at the University of Georgia in the USA to join the Biochemistry Department at Dundee, now part of the School of Life Sciences. Michael Stark: "The decision to turn down the University of Georgia was made easier by the quality of the research environment at Dundee and by the certainty of never having to endure unbearably hot and humid summers! Indeed, the quality of life in Scotland as well as the opportunity to benefit from being part of an internationally recognised research establishment have both contributed towards the success of my research over the past fourteen years.
Dundee provides a great environment in which to live and work. For me, the award of a personal chair is both recognition for the achievements of my laboratory and an expression of confidence by the University in the importance of our future research activities, which will be assisted by my promotion.
In addition to my research on yeast, I also have significant responsibilities in undergraduate teaching and I am delighted that the University considers that I have achieved the right balance between these two activities."/ENDS
Photo order left to right Bill Hunter, Mike Stark and Julian Blow.
Contact: Angela Nicoll, School of Life Sciences to interview the three professors 01382 348377