School of Life Sciences

University of Dundee

Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research (CAIR)

Multi-million-pound award to counter “silent killer” disease

A deadly disease that can kill victims who may never know they were infected is to be targeted by University of Dundee scientists following a multi-million funding award.

Experts at the Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research aim to develop a new drug treatment for Chagas disease, which can live in a person’s body for decades before killing without warning.

The terrifying disease is estimated to affect millions of people, with current treatments both limited in effectiveness and coming with significant side-effects.

Mike Ferguson appointed to UK Biobank Board of Directors

UK Biobank recently announced the appointment of Professor Sir Michael Ferguson to its Board. The board is responsible for UK Biobank’s governance, management and strategic direction.  

Nicola Perrin MBE, CEO of the Association of Medical Research Charities, was also appointed. The board will greatly benefit from their combined expertise and decades of experience in the Life Sciences sector. 

Dundee ranked top University for Biological Sciences in REF 2021

The 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*).

Parasite gene-editing technology for profiling drug-resistance mutations

A 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.

£5 million award for leading Scottish research centre

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.

Paul Wyatt looks back at his time in Dundee

Professor 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.

Mike Ferguson honoured by British Society for Parasitology

British 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. 

School Prizes presented at Review of the Year 2021

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.

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