Stories from the University of Dundee in 2019 - January to June

Press releases, features, and news from 2019 - January to June

View across Perth Road from DJCAD

January to June

  • Press release

    Former rector hails Dundee academics

    University of Dundee academics whose ground-breaking work transform lives around the world have been hailed by former Rector Stephen Fry.

    • Published on 11 January 2019
  • Press release

    Businesses urged to support creative talent

    The University of Dundee is once again inviting businesses to support some of the UK’s top young artists, designers and architects as they prepare for the biggest event of their careers to date

    • Published on 16 January 2019
  • Press release

    Taking a bite out of bad dental habits

    University of Dundee students helped local primary school pupils to brush up on their dental health on Friday.

    • Published on 18 January 2019
  • Feature

    Making the world a more colourful place

    Would the Sydney Opera House be considered as timeless if it was turquoise, or the vast wall of the Hoover Dam as robust in red? Would Rome’s Pantheon still be regarded as resplendent if its iconic dome had been completed in pink?

    • Published on 21 January 2019
  • Press release

    University’s coloured concrete set to make world greener

    Would the Sydney Opera House be considered as timeless if it was turquoise, or the vast wall of the Hoover Dam as robust in red? Would Rome’s Pantheon still be regarded as resplendent if its iconic dome had been completed in pink?

    • Published on 21 January 2019
  • News

    University of Twente link

    Prof. Graeme Martin was in the Netherlands last week presenting at the University of Twente

    • Published on 25 January 2019
  • Feature

    Student’s scholarship success

    Civil Engineering student Callum Ritchie saw off competition from around 200 applicants from across the United Kingdom to secure a Quest Scholarship from the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE)

    • Published on 5 February 2019
  • Press release

    John Swinney to meet with Education students

    Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP will visit the University of Dundee later this week to speak to the next generation of teachers in his role as Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills.

    • Published on 6 February 2019
  • Press release

    Satellite images show Storm Erik isn’t idle

    Images captured by the University of Dundee Satellite Receiving Station this afternoon show the full size of Storm Erik, which has already hit the UK

    • Published on 8 February 2019
  • Press release

    Dundee's young women to become medicine makers

    The University of Dundee will help to inspire the next generation of female scientists when it welcomes around 80 local youngsters to campus tonight

    • Published on 11 February 2019
  • Press release

    Bodies, Botanicals & Bindings: Reimagining Rare Books

    A selection of rare books dating back to the early 16th century has gone on display at the University of Dundee, alongside work by artists, designers and writers inspired by them

    • Published on 11 February 2019
  • Press release

    Students to GIDE mobile museum process

    More than 150 students and staff from eight countries will come together at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design next week to explore how V&A Dundee and other local institutions can transform into ‘mobile museums’

    • Published on 14 February 2019
  • Press release

    Lessons from forensics expert to be examined live

    A forensic anthropologist who helped identify victims of the 9/11 terror attack on the Pentagon, will share his lessons from the field with members of the public next week when he comes to the University of Dundee

    • Published on 19 February 2019
  • Press release

    Simulation honour for pioneering Professor

    Ronald Harden, Emeritus Professor of Medical Education at the University of Dundee, has been awarded a prestigious international prize recognising his contribution to healthcare.

    • Published on 21 February 2019
  • Press release

    Politicians set to learn from Mish’s rare disease experience

    Public speaking is a major part of Mishal Dattani’s professional life but the University of Dundee senior student recruitment officer will face an entirely different audience when he appears at the House of Commons tomorrow

    • Published on 26 February 2019
  • Press release

    Record-breaking temperatures captured from space

    An image captured by the University of Dundee Satellite Receiving Station shows an almost completely cloud-free British Isles, as temperatures reach a record high across parts of the country

    • Published on 26 February 2019
  • Press release

    Smokers sought to shed light on infrared study

    Smokers in Tayside could help scientists determine if infrared heat therapy could reduce the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases, by giving up one day of their time

    • Published on 1 March 2019
  • Press release

    Dundee and Abertay to battle it out for Varsity

    More than 600 athletes from the Universities of Dundee and Abertay will once again go head-to-head as they vie for the coveted Tay Varsity Challenge Trophy

    • Published on 4 March 2019
  • Press release

    Public invited to join ‘hackathon’

    Researchers from the University of Dundee are inviting members of the public to help them interpret newly released ballistic and chemical datasets that will ultimately help support a fair and just criminal justice system

    • Published on 5 March 2019
  • Press release

    Students to colour campus with Holi

    University of Dundee students are getting ready to colour their campus as they celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colours

    • Published on 5 March 2019
  • Press release

    Researcher recognised as emerging star of science

    A University of Dundee scientist has been named as the inaugural winner of a new award recognising the UK’s best young researchers in the field of parasitology

    • Published on 5 March 2019
  • Press release

    Ultramarathon pilgrim pit stops in Dundee

    An ultramarathon runner who is running 1,725 miles this year in order to fundraise for refugees returning to their homes in the Middle East will make a pit stop in Dundee this week when he is hosted by the University of Dundee

    • Published on 7 March 2019
  • Press release

    Researcher gets Government backing for diabetes innovation

    A plaque recognising the achievements of Dr Deborah Wake, Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Dundee, has been installed at her former school, Forfar Academy, as part of a UK-wide initiative celebrating female innovators.

    • Published on 8 March 2019
  • Press release

    Makaton project goes global

    Music and sign language are bringing children around the world together in harmony thanks to an eTwinning project conceived at the University of Dundee.

    • Published on 8 March 2019
  • Press release

    Artists and architect set for New Contemporaries honour

    Fourteen graduate artists and architects from the University of Dundee will compete for more than £25,000 of prizes when Scotland’s most prestigious celebration of emerging creative talent opens this weekend

    • Published on 8 March 2019
  • Press release

    Making a mountain out of Munro’s memory

    Hill walkers from across the world will have the chance to bag themselves a place in Scottish history this year if they agree to summit one Munro within 12 months

    • Published on 12 March 2019
  • Press release

    Researchers make important cell division discovery

    Researchers at the University of Dundee have provided important new insights into the regulation of cell division, which may ultimately lead to a better understanding of cancer progression

    • Published on 13 March 2019
  • Press release

    Public ‘Sole Searching’ to help forensic science research

    Members of the public are being invited to do some ‘sole searching’ and get involved in a University of Dundee project aiming to help forensic science take a step forward in creating a new research database

    • Published on 13 March 2019
  • News

    Guest Speaker - Robert Armour

    CEPMLP together with the AIPN, SPE, Energy Institute, IAEE student chapter and Sustainability and Just Transition Student Society were pleased to have Robert Armour, a Non-Executive Director of the UK Oil and Gas Authority

    • Published on 14 March 2019
  • Press release

    Varsity slam dunk success for Dundee

    Dundee’s largest amateur sporting event ended with a resounding victory for the University of Dundee this year, as they retained the Tay Varsity Challenge Trophy.

    • Published on 14 March 2019
  • Press release

    New way of testing for cocaine discovered

    Researchers from the University of Dundee have developed new chemical sensor for cocaine that may lead to potential new point of seizure tests for police officers, customs officers, prison officers and medical professionals who routinely test for control

    • Published on 14 March 2019
  • Press release

    New series explores links between science and justice

    Could you be tried for shooting a gun you’ve never touched? Does DNA always hold the answer? These are some of the questions to be answered at a new series of events allowing members of the public to learn about forensic science while relaxing in the pub.

    • Published on 15 March 2019
  • Press release

    Publication of the University’s ELIR Report 2019

    The University has been commended for our positive working relationship with students and our commitment to providing high-quality teaching and learning

    • Published on 15 March 2019
  • Press release

    Ronnie Bowie elected Chair of Court

    Mr Ronnie Bowie has been elected Chair of Court, the University’s governing body, and will serve a period of three years from 1 August 2019

    • Published on 18 March 2019
  • Press release

    World stage for University expert

    The University of Dundee’s Professor Niamh Nic Daeid will this week represent the institution at one of the largest global celebrations of science

    • Published on 18 March 2019
  • Press release

    Balkan sensation set to sing in Dundee

    Studying abroad can be one of the most rewarding experiences for students, but undertaking a degree in a foreign country can also make them miss the sights and sounds of home

    • Published on 19 March 2019
  • Press release

    Exscientia announces new AI pharma collaboration

    Exscientia, a world leader in artificial intelligence (“AI”) driven drug discovery and a spinout company of the University of Dundee announced today that it has entered a three-year AI drug discovery partnership with leading biopharma company Celgene

    • Published on 21 March 2019
  • Press release

    Could heart drug help lung disease patients?

    Drugs traditionally used to treat blood pressure and heart disease are to be given to lung disease patients to see if they can be beneficial, in a trial involving the Universities of Aberdeen and Dundee

    • Published on 22 March 2019
  • News

    ACCA visit 2019

    This is the second year that our MSc Professional Accountancy students have been invited to visit the ACCA headquarters in Glasgow

    • Published on 27 March 2019
  • News

    Sharing an inspirational business model

    Grace Chocolates is an inspirational Scottish business setup in 2017. The business manufactures handmade chocolates with the support of women who have touched the Scottish criminal justice system and are choosing to make positive changes in their lives.

    • Published on 27 March 2019
  • Press release

    Changing the relationship between disability and technology

    The University of Dundee is one of the international partners in a major new research project examining how technologists can learn from people with disabilities – and support them in the future

    • Published on 29 March 2019
  • Press release

    Renowned artist donates sculpture to Dundee

    One of the UK's leading sculptors returned to his alma mater this week, as he donated a sculpture to the University of Dundee.

    • Published on 4 April 2019
  • News

    Tokyo keynote speeches

    Dr Keith Dinnie, Head of Management and Marketing at the School of Business (UDSB), has returned from Tokyo where he was invited by the Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute (JTTRI)

    • Published on 9 April 2019
  • Press release

    DeeCon draws talented ten-year-old Drew

    He may only be 10-years-old, but one of Dundee’s youngest comic producers is set to become a star attraction at the city’s largest geek gathering next week

    • Published on 11 April 2019
  • Press release

    'Best place in Scotland' accolade for Dundee

    Scotland’s sunniest city made it to the top spot beating nine other Scottish locations listed in the Sunday Times 2019 Best Place to Live Guide.

    • Published on 12 April 2019
  • Press release

    Statins safe for rheumatoid arthritis patients

    Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are likely to experience the same level of cardiovascular benefits from statins as other individuals without incurring additional risks, according to new research

    • Published on 14 April 2019
  • Press release

    Guarding against cancer

    Researchers from the University of Dundee have shown that a drug previously used to treat Type II diabetes could potentially be used to protect against cancer

    • Published on 17 April 2019
  • Feature

    A Vision of the Future

    Students from the University of Dundee have designed and developed several innovative augmented reality apps for medical education and training

    • Published on 19 April 2019
  • Feature

    The Cellular ‘Mosh Pit’

    Research into the collective behaviour of cells led by Dr Rastko Sknepnek of the Mathematical & Computational Biology Research Cluster is shedding light on processes such as embryo development, wound healing and cancer development

    • Published on 19 April 2019
  • Feature

    Stabilising Slopes with Vegetation

    Professor Jonathan Knappett of the Geotechnical Engineering & Fluid Mechanics Research Cluster is looking at how vegetation can protect unstable slopes from the damaging effects of threats such as earthquakes, landslides and extreme storms

    • Published on 19 April 2019
  • Feature

    Space – The Final Frontier

    STAR-Dundee, a world-leading provider of spacecraft electronics, has its roots very firmly in the University of Dundee’s School of Science and Engineering

    • Published on 19 April 2019
  • Feature

    The Science of Arguing

    Don’t pick an argument with the University of Dundee – we have our own Centre for Argument Technology (ARG-tech)

    • Published on 19 April 2019
  • Feature

    The Retina as a Window on the Body

    The VAMPIRE (Vascular Assessment and Measurement Platform for Images of the REtina) research programme is developing image analysing software applications which can assist with prediction of serious health conditions

    • Published on 19 April 2019
  • Feature

    Putting the Science into Forensic Science

    The University of Dundee’s Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) is tasked with ‘disrupting positively’ forensic science

    • Published on 19 April 2019
  • Press release

    How gunshot residue could plot against you

    It may sound like an irrational fear, but what is the likelihood of being tried for firing a gun you have never touched

    • Published on 19 April 2019
  • Press release

    Rhino runner James ready for London Marathon

    A University of Dundee student hopes to stampede to fundraising success this weekend as he runs the London Marathon dressed as a rhino

    • Published on 22 April 2019
  • Press release

    Take a trip from a parasite’s perspective

    The deadly parasite Leishmania has been travelling the world for millions of years, catching flights between humans, dogs and other animals throughout history and causing an untold number of deaths

    • Published on 25 April 2019
  • News

    Support for our new Dundee Star

    We are delighted to announce the sponsorship of our latest Dundee Stars ice hockey player for the 2019/20 season

    • Published on 29 April 2019
  • News

    Specialist Business Skills for Success

    Last month (February) saw our Specialist Business Skills for Success programme run for the second time this academic year with the Business Schools MSc students.

    • Published on 29 April 2019
  • News

    Supporting Scotland's food and drink sector

    Dr Keith Dinnie, Head of Management and Marketing at the School of Business (UDSB), delivered the opening presentation at the ‘Food Tourism Innovation 2019 Workshop

    • Published on 29 April 2019
  • Press release

    Student skills celebrated at University awards

    The achievements of eight individuals will be celebrated at this year’s University of Dundee Awards Ceremony and Networking Lunch, at the Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce on Thursday 2 May

    • Published on 1 May 2019
  • Press release

    Computing Degree Show 2019

    The University of Dundee showcases innovative and thought-provoking work from emerging digital pioneers at the Computing Degree Show 2019

    • Published on 2 May 2019
  • Press release

    Seeding tomorrow’s priority medicines

    The University of Dundee will share in a new €36.5million, European-wide grant for the European Lead Factory, a public-private partnership to transform drug targets into new medicines.

    • Published on 2 May 2019
  • News

    Board Member appointment to NHS Tayside

    Professor Graeme Martin from the School of Business has been appointed as a non-executive Board Member for NHS Tayside by the Cabinet Secretary for Health for four years from 1 January, 2019

    • Published on 8 May 2019
  • Press release

    New exhibition to mark life of trailblazing teacher

    The life and work of a pioneering textile artist, designer and teacher is to be celebrated in the next exhibition at the University of Dundee’s Lamb Gallery

    • Published on 9 May 2019
  • Press release

    Balancing art and motherhood a labour of love for Iliana

    All art students face several arduous years dedicated to their creative labours but for Iliana Francia-Elliott, who found out she was pregnant with her second child partway through her studies, the journey was particularly tough

    • Published on 9 May 2019
  • Press release

    Does DNA always hold the answer?

    How important is DNA in court proceedings? While often cited in fiction and on screen, how reliable is an individual’s genetic code in securing a conviction or proving a person’s innocence?

    • Published on 13 May 2019
  • Press release

    Antibiotic use can increase nerve damage risk

    Research from the University of Dundee has shown that a commonly used class of antibiotics may increase a patient’s risk of suffering a serious and potentially permanent form of nerve damage by almost 50%

    • Published on 14 May 2019
  • News

    Comic to raise awareness of coeliac disease

    The University of Dundee’s renowned comics artists and writers have produced a new publication raising awareness of coeliac disease.

    • Published on 16 May 2019
  • Press release

    #MadeAtUni 'Nation’s Lifesavers' - Professor Bob Steele

    When working as a senior NHS registrar in the late 1980s Professor Bob Steele was struck by how many of the patients with bowel cancer died. Then he moved to Nottingham, where trials of bowel cancer screening were happening.

    • Published on 16 May 2019
  • Press release

    Expert to share ground-breaking grains in crop science

    Cereals provide more calories in the human diet than any other source and their grains underpin beer and whisky production across the globe but we have ‘barley’ begun to harvest the secrets of our cereals, says a University of Dundee plant scientist

    • Published on 16 May 2019
  • Press release

    Dundee’s scientific impact among best in the world

    The University of Dundee has been rated among the world’s best universities in terms of the impact of its scientific research in the 2019 CWTS Leiden Rankings.

    • Published on 16 May 2019
  • Press release

    Laydeez do Comics. And they’re proud of it

    An international organisation championing female comics creators will host its first event in Dundee, the spiritual home of the British comics industry, later this month.

    • Published on 20 May 2019
  • Press release

    Disaster-resilient floating homes win United Nation’s Risk Award 2019

    The University of Dundee has won the United Nation’s prestigious Risk Award for pioneering floating homes that allow families in developing countries to survive natural disasters while producing food, water, energy and sustainable livelihood options

    • Published on 21 May 2019
  • Press release

    Can we create a world safe from drugs?

    The past few years have brought about the most profound shift in the global narcotics trade for decades, according to a leading figure in international drug control efforts who will give a public lecture at the University of Dundee next month

    • Published on 21 May 2019
  • Press release

    Become a plant scientist for a day

    Green-fingered families could become plant scientists and explore the power of plants this weekend as the University of Dundee and the James Hutton Institute host a free celebration of flowers and fauna at the University’s Botanic Garden

    • Published on 21 May 2019
  • Press release

    Dundee graduate makes Disney movie magic

    A University of Dundee graduate hopes to leave moviegoers spellbound this week, as his own magical touch transports them to the fantasy world of Aladdin.

    • Published on 23 May 2019
  • News

    International Association for Energy Economics Conference

    Theresia (Betty) Sumarno, the President for  IAEE UoD Student Chapter, was invited to present one of her major findings in her PhD thesis at the International Conference held by International Association for Energy Economics

    • Published on 4 June 2019
  • Press release

    Tree & A project sees students branch out

    A luxury eco treehouse designed in the style of V&A Dundee is set for the grounds of the city’s Taypark House Hotel after a competition win by two Architecture students at the University of Dundee.

    • Published on 12 June 2019
  • Press release

    Dundee’s plan to tackle period poverty by post

    In an effort to eliminate period poverty, the University of Dundee has announced a pioneering plan to expand the availability of its free sanitary products to include its 3,000 online learners, some as far away as Tanzania and New Zealand

    • Published on 13 June 2019
  • Press release

    Dundee cancer scientist’s £1 million ceasefire mission

    A University of Dundee scientist has been awarded £1.4 million from Cancer Research UK to develop research that could bring a ceasefire to cellular warfare taking place within our DNA that can cause blood cancers such as Leukaemia.

    • Published on 14 June 2019
  • Press release

    Fellow mother's academic success inspires graduand Iliana

    All parents returning to education face additional challenges so when Iliana Francia-Elliott found out she was pregnant with her second child partway through her studies she knew she had a major decision to make.

    • Published on 17 June 2019
  • Press release

    School pupils to design special digital assistants

    The University of Dundee is challenging the technologists of tomorrow to explore the Artificial Intelligence used by the likes of Alexa and Siri to help people with the most complex disabilities.

    • Published on 18 June 2019
  • News

    A new twist to the LUBAC story

    Ian Kelsall and Jiazhen Zhang, two postdoc’s in Philip Cohen’s lab, have discovered the function of HOIL-1.

    • Published on 19 June 2019
  • Press release

    Dundee underdogs to row at Henley

    Five University of Dundee students will attempt to make waves in the world of rowing this weekend when they take part in one of the UK’s top elite rowing competitions

    • Published on 19 June 2019
  • Press release

    Mark Beaumont announced as Entrepreneurship Ambassador

    World record-breaking adventurer and University Rector Mark Beaumont has been announced as the inaugural Ambassador for the Centre for Entrepreneurship at the University of Dundee

    • Published on 20 June 2019
  • Press release

    Graduate takes centre stage at film festival

    A University of Dundee graduate will receive the red carpet treatment when her latest movie is showcased at the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF)

    • Published on 21 June 2019
  • Press release

    Graduate proves dogs are a pupil’s best friend

    Well known for sniffing out crime and aiding the disabled, dogs might soon find themselves a spot in school, according to a Headteacher from a remote school in the Highlands who will graduate from the University of Dundee this week

    • Published on 21 June 2019
  • Press release

    Wimberley Award 2019 won by activist Rachel

    A student who reported to the European Parliament on the effect that conditions at the Calais refugee camp were having on the mental health of residents has won the University of Dundee’s most prestigious undergraduate award

    • Published on 21 June 2019
  • Press release

    Mental health support inspires graduate Aleksandra

    A University of Dundee graduate who overcame significant and persistent mental health issues during her studies says the experiences are driving her ambition to become a doctor and help others in need of support

    • Published on 24 June 2019
  • Press release

    Talk to highlight roots of American gun culture

    America’s controversial gun culture may be the divisive legacy of one of the country’s most famous folk heroes, a University of Dundee expert has said

    • Published on 25 June 2019
  • Feature

    Social media stars to celebrate student’s startup

    A University of Dundee student who has worked for some of fashion’s biggest names is swapping the life of a catwalk model for business models with the launch of a new venture

    • Published on 25 June 2019