MERGER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN
and THE ROWETT RESEARCH INSTITUTE TO CREATE WORLD LEADER IN NUTRITION AND HEALTH RESEARCH
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 Duncan Rice, Principal, 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.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
The Rowett Research Institute has a long and distinguished history and has built a reputation for scientific excellence in nutrition-related research across the world. Over the last 90 years its many achievements have greatly benefited human health and the agricultural industry. More at www.abdn.ac.uk/rowett
Following the merger the majority of research and related staff will remain at their current location in Bucksburn, pending the construction of a new building on the Foresterhill campus of the University of Aberdeen. This re-location will have the additional benefits of close proximity to clinical facilities.
The Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health will continue to be a Main Research Provider for the Scottish Government with the aim of providing a sound basis for improved dietary advice for consumers and also to provide science which can be translated into ways to improve the healthiness of primary and secondary food products for the benefit of both the rural and food industry sectors in Scotland.
The University of Aberdeen is a centre of excellence for life sciences. Translational research is a particular strength for the University because its health campus is based on one of the largest teaching hospital sites in Europe. Lately the University has made major strategic investments to consolidate its position as one of the world's key centres for R&D in life sciences and medical research. One of the UK's most progressive fundraising higher education institutions, Aberdeen has recently recruited more than 70 senior academic leaders from institutions all over the world.
The next steps towards the first cross-cutting National Food and Drink Policy for Scotland to boost the industry, support healthier and more environmentally sustainable choices and enhance Scotland’s reputation as a land of food and drink, were announced by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead at the Royal Highland Show: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/06/19101648
In many ways this merger represents a return to its roots for the Rowett Institute. Sir John Boyd Orr, the founding Director of the Institute, started work in the basement of Marischal College, University of Aberdeen, when he arrived in Aberdeen in 1913 to take up his post. John Boyd Orr was one of the UK’s undisputed visionaries and foremost voices about food and health policy. His views on world food policy are as relevant today as they were in 1945 when he left the Institute to become the founding Director of the FAO. Boyd Orr’s time at the Rowett was the beginning of a long and distinguished record for high quality research linked to Government policies.