28 June 2005
Nikon Fellowship Award to Fund Science in USA
Dr Jason Swedlow at the University of Dundee has received the prestigious 2005 Nikon Fellowship
and he and his research group will spend the summer at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in
Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA.
The Nikon Fellowship, awarded by Nikon Instruments, Inc., is given to a world-class cell biologist
or neuroscientist to support a summer research program for the Fellow and his laboratory at the
MBL. While at the MBL, from June 22 - August 16, Dr Swedlow and his research group will have a
unique opportunity to interact directly with some of the best scientists in the field of Cell
Biology who congregate at the labs for intense summer research and take advantage of the unique
marine specimens available and the state of the art microscopy imaging instrumentation available.
Dr Swedlow is a Principal Investigator in the Division of Gene Regulation and Expression in the
School of Life Sciences, where his laboratory is interested in how chromosomes are assembled
during cell division. This process is a known target for anti-cancer therapeutics. Dr Swedlow uses
both biochemistry and digital microscopy to understand how chromosomes are organised. In the last
few years, they have developed biochemical methods that allow them to probe directly the molecules
that are associated with mitotic chromosomes and cell division, and have also applied high
resolution digital fluorescence microscopy to the study of the structure of the mitotic chromosome.
Dr Swedlow said, "I am deeply honored to be named this year's Nikon Fellow at the MBL. The MBL is
renowned for its dynamic, open research environment, especially during its Summer Research program.
The Nikon Fellowship provides a chance for my lab to perform a few unique experiments at the lab
that founded much of modern cell biology and microscopy. I am most excited that the members of my
lab will have the chance to rub elbows and perform experiments with many generations of
world-leading cell biologists, from senior members of the field to the next generation of students
who will lead cell biology in the future. It's a great chance for great science, and we can't wait
to get there. My lab and I are grateful to Nikon and MBL for their support."
The Marine Biological Laboratory is one of the US’s top scientific institutions and is the site
where many major advances in science have been made. Their summer research program is world
famous, and many cell biologists, physiologists, embryologists, neuroscientists, and
parasitologists spend their summers there conducting experiments and sharing ideas.
The Nikon Fellowship allows Dr Swedlow to again renew his acquaintances with the Marine Biological
Laboratory - since 2000 he has also lectured on various topics and instructed student laboratories
during the annual, world-renowned Analytical & Quantitative Light Microscopy course, founded by MBL
Distinguished Scientist Dr Shinya Inoué.
Notes to Editors
Nikon Instruments Inc., is a global leader in the development of advanced optical technology. Its
product line includes microscopy equipment, digital imaging, precision measuring and semiconductor
wafer-handling equipment. Nikon is committed to providing technologically advanced instruments
that offer optimal versatility, performance and productivity. Nikon combines state-of-the-art
capabilities with innovative designs to produce optically superior, ergonomically friendly
products for cutting-edge scientific research, medical and industrial applications. For more
information visit the Nikon website at www.nikonusa.com
Product related inquiries can be directed to Nikon Instruments at 800-52-NIKON.
The Marine Biological Laboratory is an international, independent, non-profit institution
dedicated to improving the human condition through creative research and education in the
biological, biomedical and environmental sciences. Founded in 1888, the MBL is the oldest private
marine laboratory in the Western Hemisphere. For more information, visit the MBL website at
www.mbl.edu
By Roddy Isles, Head of Press 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, r.isles@dundee.ac.uk | 
