News & Events

Fundraising runners honour memory of scientist

Friends, colleagues and students of a popular scientist who lost her battle with breast cancer will take part in races to honour her memory and raise funds for University of Aberdeen research into the disease.

Dr Gail Ferguson was a senior lecturer in medical microbiology and translational medicine at the University of Aberdeen.

She was an award-winning microbiologist who had been carrying out research into bacteria to try to find new ways of controlling infectious diseases and she hadpublished over 30 research papers. In October last year Gail took up a pivotal role within a new collaboration, trying to find a new topical treatment for MRSA as well as other hard-to-treat bacterial skin infections.

The 42-year-old mum of one, who had also worked at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Edinburgh, was just diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2011. Despite undergoing gruelling chemotherapy, Gail still continued with her research. Sadly two days after Christmas, she lost her fight with cancer.

Friends and colleagues of Gail want to honour her memory by taking part in the RunBalmoral 5k and 10k races on April 28.

Laura Katvars, first year PhD student and the newest addition to Gail Ferguson’s research group, said: “To continue Gail’s fundraising for breast cancer research at the University of Aberdeen we decided to take part in the RunBalmoral challenges. Gail was as an outstanding talent and we wanted to do something in her memory that we knew she would appreciate.”

Markus Arnold, Gail’s 4^th year PhD student, said: “Gail was always very helpful and had an open door policy whenever we had a question or problem. She was an excellent scientist who is very much missed by all.”

Bernhard Kerscher, Gail’s 2^nd year PhD student, also said: “I got to know Gail as a very energetic supervisor who taught me a lot about conducting scientific research and had a huge impact on my professional development.”

Kamila Myka, Gail’s 3^rd year PhD student, added: “Gail was a very sociable person, she always initiated birthday celebrations and social gatherings. She was also a very keen sportswoman and thoroughly enjoyed playing netball. I am sure she would approve of our fundraising efforts.”

Anyone wishing to give their support to the runners and help raise money for breast cancer research at the University of Aberdeen can do so here:

http://www.justgiving.com/Dr-Gail-Ferguson

Health and Wellbeing at Work: Insights and Inspiration.

Date: 31st March 2010
Time: 10am - 4pm
Venue: King's College Centre, University of Aberdeen

A free one–day seminar, on Wednesday 31 March 2010 at the King's College Conference Centre, University of Aberdeen. This event is aimed at staff, local businesses, NHS and other HE institutions, providing a unique opportunity to find out how the University and Grampian NHS combines research and practice.

The keynote speaker will be Dame Carol Black, National Director for Health and Work, who will be discussing progress since publishing her review of the health of Britain's working age population: ' Working for a Healthier Tomorrow'. The event is essential for anyone concerned about health and wellbeing in the workplace or organisations working towards the Healthy Working Lives award.

You can download a full programme of speakers and further information below

Healthy Working Lives Survey Results

Download survey results (PDF)

Walking Works

Why walk?

Walking is free, accessible, enjoyable and good for your health!

Although we all know that being active is good for our health, quite often we do not make the time to be active enough to benefit our health. By simply walking more during your working day, we can start to address that balance and feel the benefits that a more active lifestyle can deliver!

The University is launching a 'Walking Works' campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of walking and engage staff with a number of walking initiatives with an aim of increasing the amount of physical activity (steps) we take each day.

If you are looking for inspiration to add a few more steps to your working week, then here are some suggestions to get you started.

Lunchtime health walks

Why not reap the benefits of an active lunch and enjoy some beautiful and inspiring surroundings! We are looking to set up some lunchtime health walks on and off University campuses to support staff who would like to become more active and walk during their working day. Depending on your location, you could enjoy places such as - Aberdeen Beach, Westburn Park, Donmouth, Victoria Park, Seaton Park, or Cruickshank Gardens during your working day.

Walking on the Wild Side

This is a self-guided natural history tour of King's College. It is easy and informative and really brings the campus to life with fascinating facts of old and wildlife awakenings.

You can pick up a copy of this leaflet from The Old Town House or download a copy by clicking here.

Walking with History

This is also a self guided tour of Old Aberdeen,highlighting the history behind King's campus and its historical figures. You can pick up a copy of this leaflet from The Old Town House or download a copy by clicking here.

Walk and Talk

Sometimes it is nicer to walk and talk. For those informal meetings which don't require a room booking, why not suggest to your colleague that you take part of your discussion outside. They may welcome the change and thank you later when they feel refreshed on their return. So every now and then, give them the choice!

Active Travel

We all use different modes of transport to get to and from our workplace, but could you make some small changes to allow you to walk part of or your entire journey? It is a great way to start or finish your day, enabling you to avoid traffic jams, feel the elements, listen to music, unwind or set up for the day ahead and most importantly exercise! For more information on walking to work and links to active travel and public transport discounts, click here.

Me Mail

Ditch the mouse and walk through the house! Why not pass on some of your news in person. It is a personal touch which is fast disappearing! Not only will it give you a chance to stretch your legs and take a break from your workstation, you and your colleagues will benefit from a more social environment where you can exchange views and discuss issues in person. It's quicker and more pleasant to have a chat.

Take the Stairs

Where possible, use the stairs! You will be amazed at the difference you will feel in your health and fitness with regular stair climbing.

Energy Trails

It is important to take breaks from your desk/post and even better if you can make that an active break that will revitalise you on your return. Why not pace out an 'energy trail' in your department for your colleagues. Simply walk a trail from your department that will take 5-10 minutes to complete back to the start. Aim to take your trail outside to enjoy the fresh air and daylight. Once you have paced out a trail then tell your colleagues about it or even better encourage them to come with you when you take a break to re-energise.

Every Step Counts

Be creative and start by making small changes to your working duties and habits. Maybe you could use the furthest away bin or water cooler or move the photocopier further away, the list is practically endless.

If you already help raise awareness of walking at work or have changed your working lifestyle to enable you to walk more then please get in touch. We would love to hear your story which could inspire others to take the next step.

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