University scientist awarded prestigious heirloom

University scientist awarded prestigious heirloom

A University of Aberdeen scientist has been honoured for her contributions to life sciences.

Professor Lynda Erskine, whose research focuses on the development of the visual system, has been awarded a science heirloom by the Medical Research Council (MRC) Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College London.

The heirlooms – limited-edition, hand crafted pieces of jewellery designed by Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design - are gifted to leading female life scientists and communicators, and commemorate a century of women in life science.

The heirloom scheme was launched in 2011 and every two years the recipient of the award nominates a woman working in science to hand the accolade on to.

Professor Erskine will receive her heirloom - a silver pendant - from Professor Christiana Ruhrberg from the University College London who was honoured with the award in 2012.

The awards ceremony will take place this summer.  

Professor Erskine said: “I am honoured to receive a science heirloom from the MRC Clinical Science Centre. To be nominated by one of my peers is a real privilege and reflects not only the high standard of my own research, but the excellent, highly supportive environment of the University of Aberdeen.  It is humbling to be considered a leading female scientist and I look forward to passing the award on in two years.

The Clinical Sciences Centre (CSC) was established in 1994 by the MRC to provide a focus of strength in basic science in a clinical environment.