At midnight on 30th June 2008, The Rowett Research Institute merged with the University of Aberdeen to create a world class centre of research in nutrition and health.
The merger creates the new Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, embedded within the University's College of Life Sciences and Medicine, and will position Aberdeen firmly at the forefront of international research in nutrition and its impact on health.
The new Institute will build on the international research reputations of both organisations and represents the best possible resource for Scotland in terms of research and innovation related to diet and health, which will contribute to policies to promote long-term sustainable health and provide evidence to support Scotland's national food and drink policy as it develops.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said: "I am delighted to confirm that the Scottish Government is investing £12m in the new groundbreaking University of Aberdeen, Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health. The merger between the University of Aberdeen and the Rowett Institute will not only develop a world-class nutrition and health centre in Scotland, but will also provide a facility at the forefront of scientific research. Our new National Food and Drink Policy will benefit from great institutes such as this where their research can contribute to the Scottish Government's own objectives of supporting healthier and more sustainable food choices and the sustainable economic growth of the food and drink industry."
Professor C Duncan Rice, Principal and Vice Chancellor, University of Aberdeen, said: "Together with my colleagues at the University of Aberdeen, I welcome the Cabinet Secretary's support for our new Institute. The benefits of linking the Rowett's nutrition expertise with the University's wide-ranging expertise in the medical sciences and public health will lead to a greatly enhanced research capability.
"The new Institute will be a major centre not only for Scotland, but also for the world at large, involving an unequalled number of researchers across a range of disciplines to provide an intensive effort on nutrition and health. On behalf of the University it gives me great pleasure to welcome our Rowett colleagues to the University and I look forward to a very exciting future together."
Brian Pack, OBE, Chief Executive of ANM Group Ltd, who chaired the previous Rowett Governing Body, will become a member of the University Court and will Chair the Board of the Rowett subsidiary company. Brian commented: "The Rowett has undergone a major change to ensure its growth and sustainability for the future. Nevertheless, this change is only part of the evolution that the Rowett has undergone throughout its history as it stayed relevant to the contemporary strategic priorities for research in Scotland and the UK. I have no doubt that this merger is right for the Institute, and to the ultimate benefit of the people of Scotland."
Professor Peter Morgan, Director of The Rowett Institute of Nutrition and
Health, who becomes a Vice Principal at the University, said: "I am very excited about this opportunity for Scotland to extend the Rowett's capability and reputation as a world class research centre focused on nutrition and health. We will be strongly placed to address many of the challenges facing the Scottish Government in the implementation of its strategic objectives. Given the recent revelation that Scotland ranks second only to the USA in the global league table for obesity, it is obvious that this new initiative has never been more timely. The health care of Scotland's ageing population is another example of where diet could make a significant contribution to health and quality of life."
There will also be substantial benefits for Scotland's food industry with the proposed creation by Scottish Enterprise of a Scottish Food and Health Innovation Centre, which may be associated with the new Institute, which will assist companies to create new products and processes with a health and well-being focus.