Dundee's hat-trick heroes celebrate Herald Awards success

The University claimed three prizes at the annual Herald Higher Education Awards in Glasgow.

Dr Colin Murdoch, from the School of Medicine, scooped the Research Project of the Year for iPlacenta. The project has created a placenta-on-a-chip that has the potential to transform research into life-threatening conditions in pregnancy. The culmination of four years of work and £3.9 million of funding, the miniature models have been developed from stem cells, perfectly replicating the organ’s workings. It allows researchers to examine the workings of the placenta in 3D for the first time without risk to a mother or foetus.

Meanwhile, Usha Mani from Student Services received the Outstanding Contribution from a Staff Member award in recognition of her support for international students and her role as champion for BAME/LGBT+/disabled and students of all other protected characteristics.

And finally, Hazel Ednie from ISE was this year’s recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for her tireless work in improving the health and wellbeing of both the student and local community. Her contributions include leading our Active Living and Seniors Exercise Programme, which has been helping to improve the physical and mental health, and associated quality of life, for thousands of people.