Graduate instigates Pfizer donation

This Friday, the University will be presented with a donation of £50,000 towards the study of Plant Science following the fire in the Bower Building. The generous gift was pledged by a graduate, Dr Declan Doogan, who is now Senior Vice President of Pfizer Global Research and Development - the world's largest pharmaceutical research and development organisation.

Welcoming the donation, Principal Professor Sir Graeme Davies said: "We were all shocked and saddened by the Bower Building fire. Our immediate priority was to ensure that valuable research work was not disrupted. The donation from Pfizer is extremely generous and we are grateful for Dr Doogan's support. This contribution will help us to fulfil our commitment to the ongoing support of Plant Sciences in the University."

Dr Doogan, who instigated the Pfizer donation said: "Whilst the circumstances of this donation are tragic, I am nonetheless delighted to be able to make a donation towards the research into Plant Science. Having attended The University of Glasgow myself, it means a great deal to me personally to be able to provide support."

As Director of Sandwich Laboratories, Dr Doogan heads the company's UK research operations in Kent where it employs 2,500 scientists involved in the discovery and development of medicines to treat a number of illnesses including heart disease, serious fungal and viral infections and urogenital disorders.

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Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

The cheque for ?50,000 will be presented to Principal Professor Sir Graeme Davies by Dr Declan Doogan, Senior Vice President Pfizer Global Research and Development and Director of Sandwich Laboratories and Japan Development

The presentation will take place at 11.45am in the Principal's Meeting Room in the University's Main Building, press welcome to attend, enter via arch under tower

The Bower Building refurbishment is expected to be a two-year project at an estimated cost of ?6M plus equipment

Pfizer is one of the top three suppliers of medicines to the National Health Service. The company's research and development laboratory in Sandwich, Kent, employs 2,500 scientists. Current areas of human medicinal research include diseases of the heart, lungs and gastrointenstinal tracts, urogenital disorders, as well as viral and fungal diseases and tissue repair. The animal health research programme is aimed at discovery and development of new treatments to improve the health of farm livestock and domestic pets

For further information contact University Press Office on 0141 330 3535 or Beth Coldwell, Pfizer Global Research and Development on 01304 648908

First published: 20 November 2001