Stories from the University of Dundee in 2019 - July to December

Press releases, features, and news from 2019 - July to December

View across Perth Road from DJCAD

July to December

  • Press release

    Creatures from the Tay to help explore what it means to be human

    A hitherto undiscovered civilisation living beneath the River Tay are set to emerge from their aquatic asylum and deliver their verdict on our species when the University of Dundee hosts the UK’s national celebration of the humanities later this year

    • Published on 4 July 2019
  • Press release

    Student app seeks supermarket sweep of support

    An app designed to reduce food waste by listing overstocked items in real time is ready to hit the shelves, thanks to a University of Dundee student

    • Published on 8 July 2019
  • News

    Saltire Scholar Internship Programme 2019

    The Saltire Scholar Internship Programme prepares university students in their penultimate year of study by undertaking commercially valuable projects in Scotland and all over the world

    • Published on 9 July 2019
  • Press release

    MMV Project of the Year Award for Dundee researchers

    Researchers from the Drug Discovery Unit at the University of Dundee have been awarded the “Project of the Year 2018” from Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) for their discovery work on potential new drugs for malaria

    • Published on 11 July 2019
  • Press release

    Dundee stages Marketing Team of the Year 'heist'

    The University of Dundee has been named Marketing Team of the Year at the Heist Awards 2019, the main awards ceremony for marketing in the United Kingdom higher education sector.

    • Published on 12 July 2019
  • Press release

    Hailey’s comic: a world-first for Colorado student

    A University of Dundee student has penned herself a page in comic book history as she becomes the first American to write for the UK’s legendary Commando comic

    • Published on 13 July 2019
  • Press release

    Malaria scientist ready to raise the bar for Scotland

    A University of Dundee life scientist will swap the laboratory for the lifting platform after being selected to represent Scotland at an international powerlifting competition

    • Published on 14 July 2019
  • Press release

    Professor Mark Hector honoured by IAPD

    Professor Mark Hector, Dean of the School of Dentistry, has been awarded a prestigious Honorary Membership of the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD) at its 27th congress in Cancun, Mexico

    • Published on 22 July 2019
  • News

    Medical Research Scotland Funding success for summer students

    The Schools of Life Sciences and Medicine are delighted to host eight of our undergraduate students who are undertaking Medical Research Scotland funded vacation scholarships with researchers in the Schools.

    • Published on 24 July 2019
  • Press release

    Tatties gone? Scientists discover wild potatoes key for stronger spuds

    Potatoes have been a staple of Britain’s diet for half a millennium, but new research suggests that limited genetic differences in potato lineages has left British and American spuds vulnerable to the disease that caused the Irish potato famine

    • Published on 24 July 2019
  • Press release

    Philipp's watch hands over the future of design

    A new range of ‘community-designed’ watches will have enthusiasts ticking with pride this month, as a Kickstarter to see it land on wrists goes live

    • Published on 30 July 2019
  • Press release

    Researchers make critical cell division discovery

    Researchers at the University of Dundee have solved one of the mysteries of cell division, a discovery which may shed light on cancer development and one day help develop new drugs to treat the disease

    • Published on 30 July 2019
  • Press release

    Facial reconstruction is head of the table

    A facial reconstruction of a historic Fife man is joining a modern day family for dinner thanks to the skills of a University of Dundee student

    • Published on 5 August 2019
  • Press release

    Student reveals the face of Iron Age female druid

    A University of Dundee student has revealed the face of one of Scotland’s oldest druids, believed to have been more than 60 years old when she died during the Iron Age.

    • Published on 14 August 2019
  • Press release

    Calum Colvin celebrated in new book

    The career of Calum Colvin, Professor of Fine Art Photography at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, is celebrated in a new book charting his work over the past four decades

    • Published on 19 August 2019
  • Feature

    The story behind The Great Hack

    We spoke to Sean Gooravin about his Masters Show work, which is inspired by the Cambridge Analytica scandal

    • Published on 21 August 2019
  • Press release

    Jean Monnet honour for Dundee academic

    A University of Dundee academic has been awarded a prestigious European Commission Professorship to further his research into how ecological and economic justice can be delivered

    • Published on 22 August 2019
  • Press release

    Showcase to highlight exciting innovators

    Some of Scotland’s most exciting innovators will be demonstrating the technology of tomorrow at an event hosted by the University of Dundee

    • Published on 26 August 2019
  • Press release

    Selfies could help spot missing persons a smile away

    Selfies taken by missing persons before they disappear could prove key for future forensic dental identification, according to a researcher studying at the University of Dundee

    • Published on 26 August 2019
  • Press release

    Student plants seeds of interest in Community Garden

    A Nursing student at the University of Dundee is calling on green-fingered locals to come together and grow healthy produce for members of their community to enjoy

    • Published on 30 August 2019
  • News

    My experiences as Editor of the Dundee Student Law Review

    George is a fourth year student on the LLB Scots Law. He’s also the editor of the Dundee Student Law Review. He explains how he came to study here and why Dundee was the right choice for him.

    • Published on 1 September 2019
  • Feature

    Dundee Parkinson's Research Campaign - Dr Andy Howden

    The quest to develop treatments for Parkinson’s disease is a source of passion for everyone involved with the Dundee Parkinson’s Research Campaign, but for one member of that team the battle is especially personal

    • Published on 1 September 2019
  • Press release

    Juventus coaches to help football's future stars

    Coaches from one of the world’s biggest football clubs will help youngsters play the ‘Juventus Way’ as part of a training camp to be hosted at the University of Dundee.

    • Published on 4 September 2019
  • News

    £2.1 million Wellcome Investigator award for Dundee scientist

    School of Life Sciences researcher Professor David Horn will receive a £2.1 million Investigator Award from Wellcome to decode gene expression mechanisms in trypanosomes, pathogenic protozoa that cause a range of human and animal diseases.

    • Published on 6 September 2019
  • Press release

    Teeth can tell the tales of our lives

    Despite being the toughest part of the human body, our teeth are etched with the history of our habits, says a University of Dundee expert

    • Published on 11 September 2019
  • Press release

    BBC Watchdog Live showcases University smoke alarm research

    University of Dundee research showing that most children are likely to sleep through standard smoke alarms will feature in tonight’s episode of BBC One’s flagship consumer rights series Watchdog Live

    • Published on 12 September 2019
  • Press release

    ‘Forgotten cancer’ to be tackled by Dundee scientists

    The University of Dundee is to lead new research into a ‘forgotten cancer’ related to lifestyle and deprivation which Scots are more likely to be diagnosed with than almost any other group in the world.

    • Published on 12 September 2019
  • Press release

    Teena becomes first female Hammerman

    A jewellery designer from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design will this week become the first woman to join the Hammerman Incorporation of Dundee since the organisation was founded almost 450 years ago

    • Published on 18 September 2019
  • Press release

    ‘Homecoming’ for much-loved tutor

    A new exhibition opening at the University of Dundee this week pays tribute to the life and work of a renowned artist who helped hundreds of young people fulfil their ambition of studying art

    • Published on 18 September 2019
  • Press release

    University of the Year for Student Experience

    The University of Dundee has been named University of the Year for Student Experience by The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020

    • Published on 20 September 2019
  • Press release

    Sky’s the limit for soil expert

    An expert in soil mechanics at the University of Dundee is ploughing a furrow of success after receiving a major international honour

    • Published on 20 September 2019
  • Press release

    £5.5 million award to train brightest and best

    The University of Dundee has been awarded almost £5.5 million under a new initiative that combines scientific excellence with a commitment to providing the best possible training environment for PhD students

    • Published on 23 September 2019
  • Press release

    St Andrews and Dundee students face off for Varsity

    Elite athletes from two of Scotland’s top universities will serve up a show of sporting excellence this week as they go head-to-head in a new Varsity between the Universities of Dundee and St Andrews

    • Published on 23 September 2019
  • News

    Award winners

    The PIEoneer Awards celebrate innovation and achievement in international education

    • Published on 23 September 2019
  • Press release

    Dundee graduates kick-start cancer comic book

    Two comic book artists are one page closer to launching a new title that shares personal stories of those living with or affected by cancer

    • Published on 24 September 2019
  • Press release

    Research reveals for first time how CBD works

    A University of Dundee study has shown for the first time why cannabidiol is effective in treating skin conditions, paving the way for research into its potential as a therapy for other diseases, including cancer

    • Published on 26 September 2019
  • Press release

    Dundee students named as Europe’s best

    Three University of Dundee students have been named as the top undergraduates in Europe in their respective fields.

    • Published on 27 September 2019
  • Press release

    Lung bacteria “feign pregnancy” to avoid detection

    Disease-causing bacteria in the lung evade the body’s immune system by pretending the lungs are pregnant, according to University of Dundee research presented today at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Madrid.

    • Published on 29 September 2019
  • News

    Katie awarded ‘Best Development Paper’

    PhD Student Katie Sinclair awarded ‘Best Development Paper’ in the Human Resource Management special interest group at the British Academy of Management

    • Published on 29 September 2019
  • News

    International Award for John Raven

    John Raven, Emeritus Professor from the Division of Plant Sciences, has been awarded the Albert I Grand Medal in recognition of his research in the oceanographic field.

    • Published on 29 September 2019
  • News

    Development of a selective PROTAC compound by Alessi and Ciulli labs

    Hannah Tovell a PhD student in Dario Alessi lab working with Claire Crafter (AstraZeneca) and Alessio Ciulli and Andrea Testa in his lab have elaborated a compound termed SGK3-PROTAC1 that induces selective degradation of SGK3 protein kinase.

    • Published on 29 September 2019
  • Press release

    Employers eager to snap up Dundee students

    More than 1,000 students and graduates will take the next steps on their career paths when the University of Dundee hosts one of the country’s largest recruitment events this week

    • Published on 1 October 2019
  • News

    50 years of Protein Phosphorylation

    On October 1st 1969 Philip Cohen became a postdoc in Edmond Fischer’s at the University of Washington, Seattle, USA and started his research on protein phosphorylation.

    • Published on 1 October 2019
  • Press release

    You the Jury, forensic scientist and crime writer

    Members of the public will have the chance to step into the role of forensic investigators and jurors as part of a series of events exploring crime and justice at this year’s Festival of the Future

    • Published on 2 October 2019
  • News

    Personal Chair for David Gray

    David Gray has been promoted to Personal Chair. He takes the title of Professor of Translational Biology which is in recognition of his extensive work within the Drug Discovery Unit (DDU) and Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research (WCAIR).

    • Published on 2 October 2019
  • Feature

    Dundee Parkinson's Research Campaign - Dr Tom Gilbertson

    While decades of research have resulted in small but significant breakthroughs, solving the Parkinson’s puzzle will require many more years of dedication from some of the most inquisitive minds in science

    • Published on 4 October 2019
  • Press release

    Lecturer likes to teach the world to sign

    A University of Dundee lecturer has been honoured for using sign language and music to bring youngsters together in harmony

    • Published on 8 October 2019
  • Press release

    Dundee Funeral Poverty report calls for action

    A major report commissioned by Dundee City Council and the Scottish Government carried out by researchers at the University of Dundee, calls for greater support to bereaved families facing rising funeral debt

    • Published on 9 October 2019
  • Press release

    Award recognises Dundee healthcare expert

    Growing human resistance to antibioticsis already costing lives, a leading infection prevention expert has warned

    • Published on 10 October 2019
  • Press release

    Short handshakes are better for relationships

    Prolonged handshakes can trigger anxiety, negatively impact business meetings and affect the state of our relationships, a University of Dundee study has found

    • Published on 11 October 2019
  • Press release

    Dundee academic among BBC '100 Women 2019'

    Dr Sarah Martins da Silva, of the University of Dundee, has been named on BBC’s '100 Women 2019' list of inspiring and influential women from around the world

    • Published on 16 October 2019
  • News

    PiCLS Symposium 2019

    The annual PiCLS Symposium 2019 took place last week at West Park Conference Centre.

    • Published on 21 October 2019
  • Press release

    Human rights defenders arrive in Dundee

    Campaigners from Russia and Zambia have begun a three-month fellowship at the University of Dundee designed to support those at risk for their work in protecting human rights around the world

    • Published on 21 October 2019
  • Press release

    Doctors learn from student’s spinal tap

    A University of Dundee Masters student has designed a model of a spinal tap deemed so realistic that it will now become standardised material for teaching the consultant physicians of the future

    • Published on 22 October 2019
  • News

    Recognition for Prof. Roslender

    Congratulations to Prof. Robin Roslender for recently being awarded a "BAFA Lifetime Achievement Award"

    • Published on 22 October 2019
  • Press release

    Dundee team ensure power station is built to last

    Concrete experts from the University of Dundee have cemented their status among the world’s best engineers by working on one of Europe’s biggest infrastructure projects.

    • Published on 22 October 2019
  • Press release

    Refugee dentist's tool to help identify the dead

    A Syrian refugee who had to flee his home country because of war has developed a new tool which could help experts in the field identify the sex of the deceased

    • Published on 24 October 2019
  • News

    Dundee scientist speaks at the Galien Innovation Forum

    School of Life Science’s Professor Alessio Ciulli was amongst a selected group of world’s leading expert scientists and key opinion leaders who spoke at the Galien Forum on October 24, 2019, at the Alexandria Center in New York City.

    • Published on 29 October 2019
  • Press release

    Reception honours contribution to cancer research

    The achievements of Lady Fiona Fraser, who has helped raise more than £22 million for cancer research at the University of Dundee over the past few decades, have been celebrated by colleagues, scientists and members of the public

    • Published on 29 October 2019
  • Feature

    Student proves identifying sex is not a pain in the neck

    We catch up with former Anatomy and Advanced Forensic Anthropology student Yuvenya Kaeswaren after her research into identifying sex is published in Forensic Science International: Reports

    • Published on 30 October 2019
  • Press release

    Puppies help students ponder paw-sitive possibilities

    University of Dundee students will have the chance to paws for thought and consider how they can unleash their potential at a dog-friendly event on Wednesday 6 November.

    • Published on 30 October 2019
  • News

    David Lilley made visiting professor at Nankai University

    Professor David Lilley has been made a visiting professor at Nankai University in Tianjin, China. Nankai is one of the top 20 universities in China and is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year.

    • Published on 30 October 2019
  • Feature

    Helping unlock the secrets of the universe

    Researchers at Dundee are helping take the Large Hadron Collider at CERN – the world’s largest science experiment – to a new level with pioneering laser technology.

    • Published on 4 November 2019
  • Press release

    Increased demand prompts course expansion

    Student numbers in Kirkcaldy are set to swell after the University of Dundee announced plans to expand one of its most popular nursing programmes.

    • Published on 4 November 2019
  • Press release

    University launches scholarship in honour of Dr Jainti Dass Saggar

    The University of Dundee has launched a new scholarship in memory of an Indian student who went on to use his degree to help transform the lives of people living in Dundee, so much so that a street in the city is named after him.

    • Published on 4 November 2019
  • News

    Sharing expertise in Changsha and Zhuhai, China

    Dr Keith Dinnie, Head of Management and Marketing, has returned from China where he delivered guest talks in Changsha, Hunan Province and Zhuhai, Guangdong Province

    • Published on 4 November 2019
  • Press release

    Historical ‘Poet’s Box’ shop relived for festival

    A pop-up shop in Dundee’s Wellgate Centre, inspired by the Poet’s Box where Dundonians of yesteryear performed and printed their latest creations, will serve as the regional headquarters of a national festival taking place this month

    • Published on 4 November 2019
  • News

    Nick Brewer Promoted to Reader

    Nick Brewer, Associate Dean, Learning and Teaching for the School has been promoted to Reader as part of the 2019 Annual Review process for academic staff.

    • Published on 5 November 2019
  • Press release

    Gary Clark and Lesley Knox to be honoured at Graduation

    The University of Dundee will honour Gary Clark, one of the city’s most successful musical sons, and Lesley Knox, former Chair of Design Dundee Ltd and a key figure in delivering V&A Dundee, at its Winter Graduation ceremonies

    • Published on 11 November 2019
  • News

    Sarah McKim awarded tenure

    Dr Sarah McKim from the Division of Plant Sciences has been awarded tenure.

    • Published on 12 November 2019
  • News

    Scottish Health Economics

    Prof. Paul Allanson has hosted a number of meetings over the last 18 months, leading to the establishment of Scottish Health Economics (SHE) to support, promote and further develop Health Economics in Scotland

    • Published on 12 November 2019
  • Press release

    Treasures from the deep and beach cleaning at Broughty Ferry

    Students and staff from the University of Dundee will this weekend lead members of the public on a treasure hunt and beach clean – with tantalising tales of creatures from beneath the Tay thrown in for good measure

    • Published on 12 November 2019
  • Press release

    Crime cohort set to graduate

    A publican used to hearing customers complain about the price of a pint being ‘murder’ will this Thursday become one of the first students to graduate from a unique crime writing course at the University of Dundee

    • Published on 13 November 2019
  • Press release

    Degree helps grad draw attention to an ill-understood disease

    A University of Dundee graduand will be able to proudly receive her Master’s degree this week knowing that she has helped draw attention to an often misunderstood condition which affects 176 million women worldwide

    • Published on 14 November 2019
  • Press release

    Living Together in closies, multis and semis

    The history of housing in Dundee – from 19th century tenements hastily erected to cope with a growing population to post-industrial decay and suburban sprawl – is explored in a new exhibition at the University of Dundee

    • Published on 14 November 2019
  • Press release

    ‘Sylvia & Silvio’ explores lives of radical duo

    A new exhibition at the University of Dundee will showcase the extraordinary lives of suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst and her partner, the Italian radical Silvio Corio

    • Published on 18 November 2019
  • Press release

    Gary Clark and Lesley Knox to be honoured at University Graduation

    The University of Dundee will honour Gary Clark, one of the city’s most successful musical sons, and Lesley Knox, former Chair of Design Dundee Ltd and a key figure in delivering V&A Dundee, at its Winter Graduation ceremonies on November 14 and 15

    • Published on 20 November 2019
  • Press release

    Award recognises ‘transformative’ research

    The University of Dundee’s Professor David Horn has received a prestigious award in recognition of his contribution to global efforts to overcome the disease known as African sleeping sickness.

    • Published on 21 November 2019
  • Press release

    Vaping less harmful than smoking for vascular health

    Cigarette smokers who switch to nicotine containing vaporisers could significantly improve their vascular health, a major University of Dundee study has concluded.

    • Published on 21 November 2019
  • News

    Bob Keiller inspires students

    Bob Keiller is an entrepreneur and businessman with a passion for inspiring others – he mentors CEOs, coaches entrepreneurs and trains teams from the third sector on change leadership and business storytelling

    • Published on 22 November 2019
  • Press release

    Drones help map Iceland’s disappearing glaciers

    A new 3D process which involves old aerial photos and modern-day drone photography has shed light on accelerated ice loss from some of Iceland’s largest glaciers

    • Published on 25 November 2019
  • Feature

    Stacking the odds against cancer

    The award-winning Scottish Cancer Prevention Network, co-founded by Professor Annie Anderson and Professor Bob Steele, is built on decades of clinical experience and research in cancer care and facilitating healthier lifestyle choices

    • Published on 25 November 2019
  • Feature

    Discoveries of today – medicines of tomorrow

    Expertise from the biopharmaceutical industry combined with a powerful academic environment and outstanding facilities has created a unique environment for industry-ready drug discovery research

    • Published on 26 November 2019
  • News

    PROTACs go macrocyclic

    Researchers in the Ciulli group report a first study describing the idea of a macrocyclic PROTAC. The research was published in the prestigious chemistry journal Angewandte Chemie.

    • Published on 27 November 2019
  • News

    Secret Santa Sleuth: Festive Fingerprints

    As a team of forensic scientists and researchers’ we’ve got a new twist on Secret Santa that involves a little detective work involving festive fingerprints!

    • Published on 2 December 2019
  • News

    Welcome to new group leaders

    The School has welcomed three new group leaders in recent months. They are currently establishing their laboratories across three of our divisions.

    • Published on 4 December 2019
  • News

    Melissa D'Ascenzio Passes Probation

    Dr Melissa D'Ascenzio, a Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the D’Arcy Thompson Unit, has passed her three-year probation period at the University.

    • Published on 5 December 2019
  • Press release

    Universities key to transforming Scotland’s health

    A team at the University of Dundee say that improving public access to university facilities such as sports halls and libraries would encourage greater engagement with research capable of improving health and wellbeing

    • Published on 5 December 2019
  • Press release

    Comic helps young people cope with grief

    Teenagers from across Scotland have shared their experiences of bereavement for a new comic aiming to help other young people deal with their grief

    • Published on 10 December 2019
  • Feature

    Saltire Internships

    The Saltire Scholar is a world-class internship programme, which prepares students in their penultimate year of study by taking part in projects in Scotland and all over the world

    • Published on 16 December 2019
  • Press release

    Dundee students highlight Scotland’s war

    A major exhibition featuring work by University of Dundee art students is educating modern day Scots about the heroism and horrors of World War One.

    • Published on 17 December 2019
  • News

    Two research awards for Geoff Gadd

    Professor Geoff Gadd, Head of the Geomicrobiology Group, has been recognised twice in recent months through two different awards for research excellence and its contribution across scientific disciplines.

    • Published on 18 December 2019