Royal honour for region’s teaching role

Feb 20 2010 The Journal

THE North East’s role in educating future generations was acknowledged by The Queen yesterday.

Newcastle University received the Queen’s Anniversary prize for Higher and Further Education – one of the highest accolades possible – for its work into ageing research. And City of Sunderland College was awarded the same honour for its teaching of maths and English.

Prof Tom Kirkwood, director of Newcastle University’s Institute for Ageing and Health travelled to Buckingham Palace to accept the award on behalf of the institution.

He attended the ceremony along with university chancellor, Sir Liam Donaldson, vice-chancellor prof Chris Brink, chairman of council and pro-chancellor, Olivia Grant, and members of the research team.

Angela O’Donoghue picked up the award on behalf of City of Sunderland College. Prof Kirkwood said: “It is such a delight and honour that the work of the Institute for Ageing and Health has received this recognition.

“We have a fantastic team of talented and dedicated researchers, and the award reflects the efforts of the whole team. Going to Buckingham Palace is special in any circumstances, but to go to receive this award for the whole team effort is just brilliant.

“I am so pleased that we have the opportunity to take some of our younger researchers and students to meet The Queen too.”

The university’s entry in the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes 2009 competition charted the development of its research programme on ageing and health into its current form as a substantial Institute for Ageing and Health, based on a unique and growing Campus for Ageing and Vitality.

The team of researchers also made headlines this week with a scientific discovery that could provide the next step in fighting age-related diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Scientists used laboratory techniques and sophisticated mathematical modelling to help crack the problem of why cells age. Sir Liam added: “Prof Kirkwood’s team’s research is groundbreaking and of vital international relevance. The award recognises this and is an enormous honour for the university and the North East.”