biomedical sciences research institute - Research - University of Ulster

BMSRI Academic Heads new Regional Network for the Alzheimer’s Research TrustThe Alzheimer’s Research Trust (ART), a major UK Charity for dementia research,provided funding of £95,000 to fund the establishment of a Northern Ireland Networkfor Alzheimer’s research.The new Network (which joins 15 other networks around the UK) is a partnershipbetween the University of Ulster and QUB, and Dr Christian Hölscher (Senior Lecturerin Neurosciences at Ulster) and Dr Janet Johnston (Psychiatry and Neuroscience atQUB) have been appointed as the joint coordinators of this Network.The coordinators view this Network as a very positive development for researchinto Alzheimer’s disease in Northern Ireland and believe that the major fundingprovided by the ART represents national recognition of the region’s research effortsin terms of dementia research. The Network will help to foster links between localresearchers, those in the UK and international counterparts.LtoR) Lady Sylvia Hermon MP with DrJanet Johnston, Marie Janson and DrChristian Hölscher at the official launchof the ART Northern Ireland Network(Belfast Castle, February 2008)European Life Sciences Enterprise AccoladeThree BMSRI researchers scooped a top prize in a pan-European enterprise competition that rewardsexperts who turn research into tangible products.Academic entrepreneurs Dr Neville McClenaghan, Professor Peter Flatt and Professor FinbarrO’Harte, who established University spin-out company Diabetica Ltd in 2004, won the inauguralACES Academic Enterprise Award 2008 for innovation in Life Sciences at a ceremony in Stockholm.The trio was given the accolade in recognition of their success in translating their research advances in tacklingdiabetes, obesity and related metabolic conditions into high-value commercial opportunities through Diabetica.Distinguished Fellowship Awards for BMSRI staff:Several members of BMSRI staff received awards at the Winter Graduation ceremony in December 2007.Professor Roger Marchant was awarded a Senior Distinguished Research Fellowship, in recognition of his outstandingcontribution to research in the field of microbial biotechnology in a career spanning more than 42 years. During thattime, he has held various senior posts including Head of Department of Biology and Head of the Research GraduateSchool for the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences.Dr Tara Moore (pictured right) was awarded a Distinguished Research Fellowship in recognitionof her work to alleviate a number of illnesses of the human visual system (in particular, dry-eyesyndrome). Dr Moore was a previous recipient of a University Distinguished Teaching Award andof a UK National Teaching Fellowship.Dr Stephen McClean, Lecturer in Proteomics (along with colleagues Dr Paul Hagan and DrDavid Ruddick) received a Distinguished Teaching Fellowship (Team Award) in recognition oftheir efforts to implement a number of newand innovative strategies to develop the undergraduate learning experience. This Team has soughtto bring the fundamentals of chemistry to life using recognizable and relevant examples and inso doing introduce a level of enjoyment to lectures, large group activities, and demonstrations.Dr Tara Moore12