The University of Aberdeen has been ranked amongst the world’s top research institutions in an international survey of the best places to work.
The Scientist magazine has published the ‘Best Places to Work 2006’ survey for post-doctoral fellows, placing the University 20th in the top 35 institutions outside North America.
Professor Neva Haites, Vice Principal and Head of the College of Life Sciences and Medicine said: “We are delighted with the findings of the survey, which is based on a range of features, such as offering postdocs collaborative, intellectually challenging environments, research facilities and projects.”
The University’s strengths were identified as including the value of the postdoctoral experience to their future career, and remuneration.
Professor Haites is confident that the University’s investment in its facilities will further strengthen its position as an attractive destination for postdocs.
She said: “Our Institute of Medical Science offers training and research facilities second to none and our new, purpose-built Institute for Health Services Research opens in a few months’ time.
“The University has invested more than £41million in extensive modernisation of parts of the Foresterhill Campus and in refurbishing teaching and learning facilities on its King’s Campus. As a part of this our School of Biological Science is undergoing a complete refurbishment.”
The University is also a partner in the £16 million Matthew Hay project, along with NHS Grampian, which will create an outstanding purpose-built facility on the Foresterhill health campus for medical education and the ongoing development of 21st century skills for all members of the healthcare team.
Prof Haites added: “The foundation of our strength lies with the staff and it is through this quality and hard work that today’s progress has been made. The College is also well placed in terms of leadership in each of the four Schools and in the Directors of Teaching, Research and Postgraduate Studies.”
Last month, the University announced its commitment to a new flagship library to be built on campus to consolidate the University’s position as a leader among world universities. The ‘Library for our Sixth Century’ will spearhead the next phase of the University’s 10-year investment in its £228M capital development programme, which is integral to the academic ambition of the institution.