North East scores double Queen’s Anniversary Prize Success

North East scores double

Queen’s Anniversary Prize Success

The University of Aberdeen and Banff and Buchan College of Further Education are two of only three institutions in Scotland to have received an award in the year 2000 round of Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education.

This is an amazing achievement for the North East of Scotland and for Lauder College in Fife, given the predominance of higher and further education institutions in the Central Belt.

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Announced in November 2000, the Prizes will be presented formally by Her Majesty The Queen and HRH Prince Philip at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Thursday .

In awarding the Prize to the University of Aberdeen, the Prize Trust members recognised the achievements of the Department of Biomedical Physics and Bioengineering in developing new techniques for medical imaging. The citation announcing the award stated that “For over thirty years, the University has been a pre-eminent institution in the field of non-invasive medical imaging technology. Patients world-wide have benefited from its innovatory research, pioneering new techniques and clinical applications arising from world-leading fundamental research initiated at the University.”

The award to Banff and Buchan College relates to the provision of marine engineering training for the fishing industry. The work undertaken by the College is unique to the UK and the delivery model is being adapted to cover not only Scotland and the UK but also has the potential for further expansion. High level training for fishermen is provided within a state-of-the-art marine engineering centre which provides extensive facilities for students including a simulated engine room, a switchboard control room, a workshop and seminar rooms.

Welcoming the awards, Wendy Alexander, Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, said: “This is a tremendous achievement by Banff and Buchan College, Lauder College and the University of Aberdeen. They bring enormous credit and distinction to the whole of the Scottish education system and I send them warmest congratulations.”

Principal C Duncan Rice, Principal of the University of Aberdeen and Professor Sharp, Head of the Department of Biomedical Physics and Bioengineering will accept the Anniversary Prize on behalf of the University.

Principal Rice said: “This Prize brings great pride and delight not only to the members of the Department whose hard work and achievements are being recognised but to the whole University Community.

“For over 500 years, the University of Aberdeen has been placing its knowledge and skills at the service of patients across the world and, in so doing, our distinguished graduates and scholars have brought international recognition to Aberdeen. The Prize recognises over three decades of achievements and the fact that the Department is continuing to develop innovative diagnostic techniques to help tackle major illnesses and diseases.”

Banff and Buchan College will be represented by Principal Robert Sinclair and Mr David Cook, Marine Engineering Co-ordinator.

Principal Sinclair added: “This is a tremendous honour. The staff of the College have worked extremely hard to provide education and training of the highest quality for the fishing industry. Our provision is tailor-made, responsive and, as a small rural College, we deliver education and training of unrivalled quality.”

Both institutions will receive a Prize Medal, a Prize Certificate signed by HM The Queen as well as the use of the Prize Logo for a period of four years. Senior students who are involved in the successful departments have also been invited to attend the ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Further information from Christine Cook, University of Aberdeen: 01224 272014 or

Clare Cowie, Banff and Buchan College of Further Education: 01346 586137