Invited guests got an in-depth insight today (January 5) to a new multi-million pound research facility for leading University of Aberdeen scientists trying to find better treatments and cures for major diseases.
HRH the Duchess of Rothesay had been due this morning to officially open the University's £5.7 million Health Sciences Building at Foresterhill in Aberdeen. However, illness forced her to cancel the engagement.
Professor Phil Hannaford is Director of the Institute of Applied Health Sciences and many of its staff are based within the new complex. He said: "The University of Aberdeen wishes Her Royal Highness a speedy recovery and we hope to welcome her to the Health Sciences Building at a future date."
A reception for guests and tours of the building still went ahead. Visitors met renowned researchers investigating a huge range of disorders which include bone diseases; Alzheimer's and dementia; urological cancers; respiratory problems; and sports related injuries.
Professor C Duncan Rice, Principal and Vice Chancellor, University of Aberdeen, said: "The Health Sciences Building is a significant addition to our research facilities on the Foresterhill campus, which is now one of Europe's major biomedical centres. It is another step towards completing the high quality facilities needed to support our ambition to become a research-led university of international distinction."
Professor Hannaford, who is also Chair of Primary Care, added: "The Health Sciences Building is an absolutely first class research facility for leading researchers who are making a real difference locally, nationally and globally in their respective health related fields."