13 June 2005

Dundee Biomedical Scientist Awarded Lister Research Prize

A leading biomedical scientist from the University of Dundee has been awarded a prestigious Lister Research Prize, one of only three awarded in the UK this year.

Dr Tomo Tanaka is a Principal Investigator in the School of Life Sciences, investigating how cells regulate themselves during proliferation. Dr Tanaka and his team recently discovered how cells get all their chromosomes inherited during cell divisions to prevent cancers and other diseases.

The Lister Research Prize award is made to young scientists to help them pursue their personal research interests in biomedical sciences. The Prize award is accompanied by a 3-year grant of £150,000, which can be used for equipment, travel or salaries for scientists in a research team.

Dr Tanaka says "I am very delighted to receive this prize. Using the grant, we will explore new aspects of dynamic chromosome behaviours in cells. Understanding elaborate regulation of chromosomes will be a key towards prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancers and congenital disorders."

The Lister Institute was founded in 1891 and has made distinguished contributions to biomedical science for over a century. The charitable objectives of the Institute are to further understanding and progress in preventive medicine by promoting biomedical excellence in the UK through its support of the biological and biomedical sciences and to ensure long-term public benefit through publication of the knowledge gained and, where appropriate, by encouraging its exploitation.

By Roddy Isles, Head of Press 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, r.isles@dundee.ac.uk