all News
May 2022
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12 May 2022The results of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) were announced today. Dundee is the top-ranking University for Biological Sciences research, a position we have maintained since the last REF exercise in 2014. The REF2021 assessment has scored SLS as having a total of 71% of its activities being ‘world leading’ (4*) and 28% of its activities being ‘internationally excellent’ (3*).
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09 May 2022A team from the Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research (WCAIR) at the University of Dundee has developed a new parasite gene-editing technology. This method, known as oligo-targeting, involves delivering short DNA fragments to parasites using a pulse of electricity. The DNA, including the desired edits, is then incorporated into the genomes of cells that are in the process of replicating their DNA. The approach is fast, simple, precise, and inexpensive.
April 2022
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28 Apr 2022
The life-changing work of one of Scotland’s foremost scientific institutions is to continue following a multi-million-pound award. The University of Dundee’s Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research (WCAIR) has received more than £5 million from the Wellcome Trust to advance its world-leading research into neglected tropical diseases. The award will also support the Centre’s objectives of training and inspiring the next generation of scientists and building the public understanding of science.
March 2022
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09 Mar 2022Professor Paul Wyatt, Head of the Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Director of the Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research is leaving the University to take up a new role at Sitala Bio Ltd. Paul came to Dundee in 2006 to help establish the DDU from its inception, after it was created by Professor Mike Ferguson and Professor Alan Fairlamb. Since that time, the DDU has grown from a handful of members to an established 130 strong team with substantial capabilities to develop drugs for a wide number of diseases.
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02 Mar 2022British Society for Parasitology has awarded Professor Sir Mike Ferguson with an Honorary Membership. This is in recognition of his impact in the field of Parasitology. “I am very honoured and grateful to receive this recognition form the BSP. It recognizes the work and creativity of many people who have spent time in my research team and have been our collaborators. This includes Dr Lucia Guther, my longest ever co-worker of 33 years, who has contributed so much to our team. I thank all for the privilege of sharing science with them,” said Mike.
January 2022
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19 Jan 2022
Review of the Year 2021 took place virtually today with the former Interim Dean, Inke Näthke sharing the highlights of activity within the School from 2021. Returning Dean, Julian Blow concluded the review with a look to the future where he highlighted plans for the coming year. The Review included the presentation of the annual School prizes. Here are the winners: People’s Award The People’s Award is for positive contributions to School culture.
December 2021
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16 Dec 2021Fergus Preston, who is undertaking a PhD within the DDU and WCAIR, was one of 10 successful applicants for the Scientific Update Young Chemist award. This award is open to PhD students presenting work at the Scientific update 7th Winter Process Chemistry Conference, 8-9 December 2021.
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15 Dec 2021Dr Susan Wyllie, Head of the Mode of Action group within WCAIR and Principal Investigator in the School of Life Sciences, underwent a successful tenure review recently.
November 2021
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08 Nov 2021The annual third year PhD poster session took place last week on-line, with excellent entries from 21 students across the School. Each poster was judged by three of the 12 judges, who included PIs and senior postdoctoral researchers – very many thanks to all who took part and congratulations on setting such high standards. Thanks also to FLUOROCHEM who kindly sponsored the event. This year was incredibly competitive with many excellent posters and enthusiastic presentations. The judges were really tasked with a difficult job. The winners are :
October 2021
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28 Oct 2021Joana Faria, a postdoctoral researcher in David Horn’s Lab (BCDD-WCAIR) who is moving to establish her own group at the University of York, has been awarded the Wellcome-Beit Prize. “I am so grateful to the Wellcome Trust for supporting me and my research and recognising the importance of the work I have been doing and want to do next in Trypanosomes. I could not be more humbled by this award, especially considering that Trypanosomes are often disregarded as relevant model systems outside the Parasitology community.”
