Ground-breaking research into diseases which include Alzheimer's, obesity, osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis will today (Monday, September 27) be outlined to the Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace when he visits the University of Aberdeen .
Jim Wallace is touring the University's Institute of Medical Sciences this morning to discuss the contribution the Institution is making to the life sciences sector in Scotland .
Professor Stephen Logan, University Senior Vice-Principal, will introduce the Minister to four of the University's scientists who are trying to find new and better treatments and cures for a wide range of conditions.
Mr Wallace will also be hearing about the expertise, which has been spun-out from the University to create thriving biotechnology companies.
Professor Logan said: “The University of Aberdeen is a centre of excellence and is recognised internationally as such for our research in a great number of areas.
“However, the University is not just about world class research and high quality teaching. We are making a substantial contribution to Scotland 's economy through the commercialisation of our research and our spin-out companies.”
Jim Wallace, Deputy First Minister and Minister for Lifelong Learning, said: “It is both exciting and encouraging to see at first-hand the excellent work being done at the University of Aberdeen .
“I have no doubt the research underway in the Institute of Medical Sciences will help us take crucial steps forward in the fight against debilitating and life-threatening illnesses.
“Allied to this, the work being done in all departments at the University can and will lead to commercial opportunities. It is vital these chances are taken and we capitalise on the breadth and depth of expertise in our universities to help grow the Scottish economy. What we have here is a win-win situation where we can tackle serious illness and grow our economy.”
Mr Wallace added: “We are committed to helping ideas move from the laboratory to the market place, and my visit to Aberdeen has confirmed how important this policy is.
"Universities are central to growing our economy. This Executive has a strong track record of investing in higher education and the First Minister and I are committed to increasing that investment. Our spending plans for the next three years will be announced on Wednesday."
University of Aberdeen Professor of Neuropharmacology Roger Pertwee - acknowledged as one of the world's leading cannabinoid scientists and also Director of Pharmacology for a company developing non-smoked cannabis based prescription medicines – will outline his work to Mr Wallace.
Professor Andy Porter, Chief Scientific Office r with University spin-out Haptogen, will explain their leading technology which could lead to breakthroughs in the fight against obesity and serious infections.
Claude Wischik, Professor of Psychiatric Geratology and Chairman of TauRX Therapeutics Pte Ltd, will discuss his pioneering work towards developing new treatments and early diagnosis of Alzheimer's and memory loss in the elderly.
The Deputy First Minister will also meet Professor Mike Rogers, one of the senior scientists involved in the Centre for Bone Research, who will describe how successful collaborations with the pharmaceutical industry has led to recent breakthroughs in understanding the mode of action of drugs used to treat osteoporosis and other crippling bone diseases.