PROFESSOR Irwin McLean of the University of Dundee has been awarded the prestigious Buchanan Medal of the Royal Society for his pioneering work with skin diseases.
The medal is awarded for distinguished contributions to the medical sciences.
Irwin McLean is Professor of Human Genetics and Scientific Director of the Centre for Dermatology and Genetic Medicine at Dundee.
He is a world renowned expert in the genetics of skin diseases, and his research group has identified the causative genes for more than 20 human diseases.
Professor McLean said: “I have to confess to being stunned to receive this award.
“When the initial notification came through I had to re-read it half a dozen times to make sure it was correct.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my many tremendous colleagues across the Colleges of Life Sciences and Medicine for their help, guidance and support.
“I also have to thank the many collaborators and patients who work with us.
“Without their participation we could not hope to make the advances we have in understanding debilitating skin diseases and, hopefully now, developing treatments for them.”
The Buchanan Medal is awarded by the Royal Society, the world’s oldest scientific academy in continuous existence, for distinguished contributions to the medical sciences.
It is awarded biennially (in odd years) in recognition of distinguished contribution to the medical sciences.
