University Opens its Doors

The University of Dundee is throwing open its doors to Taysiders this weekend by participating in the 13th Open Doors Day (September 20-21). A diverse range of buildings and University expertise will be on display including the following:

• University Library Conservation unit located in the Main Library Building Chief University Conservator, Ylva Player-Dahnsjo and her team will be on hand to demonstrate some of the amazing techniques developed to conserve Scotland's paper-based heritage. Ylva is inviting members of the public to bring along their own rare books, family bibles etc and get advice on conservation and storage.
• Wellcome Trust BioCentre, home to 600 scientists from 50 different countries. Visit this cutting-edge temple of citadel and visit pioneering medical research facilities including the Post-Genomics and Molelcular Interactions Centre, a state of the art suite for research into genome sequencing projects equipped for research in four key areas: Bioinformatics, Proteomics, DNA-Microarrays and Molecular Interactions. In addition, the Centre for High Resolution Imaging boasts one of the most powerful microscopes in the world, enabling the University's world renowned scientists to examine the smallest sub-cellular activity.
• University Archives Collection visit the University's vast archives collection including the University's Peto Collection, featuring 500 unpublished photographs of the Beatles during the filming of Help as well as some stunningly beautiful images of the Royal Ballet featuring Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn.
• The Carnelley Building and Old Medical School Link Building see the latest innovative contemporary structure composed of glass, steel and masonry linking together two of the older university buildings. The Link building is just behind the main Tower Building.
• The Cooper, Lower Foyer and Matthew Galleries all hosting the Roadshow exhibition documenting the journey of 27 contemporary artists displaying their work across Scotland.
• University Campus Tours Matthew Jarron, University Museums Curator will be conducting tours of the many other interesting buildings rarely seen by the public. Tours start in the University Tower foyer at 11.30am and 3.30pm on each day.

Joan Concannon, University of Dundee Director of External Relations said, "We are absolutely delighted to host Open Doors again. The University buildings form an important part of the Dundee city landscape and we invite as wide as possible participation from Tayside residents to come and explore university buildings and meet university teams not generally accessible to the public. For further information please contact 01382 345 565."

Doors Open Day celebrates the annual European Heritage Day and is organised by Dundee City Council's Planning and Transportation Department along with many other individuals and organisations.

For a full list of tour times at the University and other buildings across Dundee, visit: www.dundeecity.gov.uk, www.dundee.com, or www.doorsopendays.org.uk

By Esther Black, Press Officer 01382 344768 e.z.black@dundee.ac.uk