Researchers have celebrated the one-year anniversary of a research facility, and promised that its future work will be “life-changing”.
Aberdeen University’s Centre for Women’s Health opened last March, but will be operating out of a pristine new centre in 2021 after the opening of the £167million Baird Family Hospital.
At an event held at the centre’s current home within the Rowett Institute last night, gynaecology researcher Professor Maggie Cruickshank explained how the move could build on the past twelve months.
She said: “This is a leading international unit and, over the last year, we’ve attracted more and more research funding towards our work.
“What makes us different is that we don’t focus on one area, but span the entirety of a woman’s life, taking in periods, contraception, menopause and cancer.
“We have a very holistic approach – and can build on this in the new Baird facility, with more gynaecological trials, and the chance to try entirely new methods.”
Fellow academic Abba Maheshwan, director of Aberdeen Fertility Centre, added that the facility would be “life-changing.”
She said: “The new space will mean we can conduct more clinical trials, and it will have better air quality, bigger labs and be purpose-built for patients.”
Supporting the researchers, Aberdeen University principal George Boyne spoke at last night’s event, and heralded the work of distinguished academic Sir Dugald Baird in shaping the women centre’s first 12 months of work.
Mr Boyne said: ” I am so proud of the work the centre has done and the work it will continue to do for world-class health care
“The topics they cover have enduring significance and global importance and there is huge potential when it moves into the Baird Family hospital to build on his legacy.”
Sir Dugald was responsible for establishing the first free family planning clinic in the city, and is perhaps best known for the Aberdeen Maternity and Neonatal Databank, which continues today to link all the obstetric and fertility-related events occurring to women from a defined population.
Prof Cruickshank added: “Baird had a vision on improving women’s mental health, physical health and general wellbeing – he was a true pioneer.
“My own mother, who was a gynaecology nurse, worked within his ward at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, and described him as clever, curious, collaborative and caring.
“We want to, and will, echo that with the work we do at Aberdeen University’s Centre for Women’s Health.”
Yesterday also marked the launch of an ambitious campaign by the University of Aberdeen Development Trust, which hopes to raise £4million for the research centre.
Liz Bowie, director of development and alumni relations at the Trust said she was “immensely grateful” at the generosity of so many.
She said: “Last night’s event highlighted the amazing work the centre has done so far, but also the potential it has to expand in the future, especially when it is based at the Baird Family Hospital.
“We are delighted to be able to support this with our fundraising, which will help the centre realise its ambitions.
“We are hugely grateful to our many partners and supporters who are helping us raise vital funds for women’s health research.”
The Baird Family Hospital will include maternity, gynaecology, breast screening and breast surgery services.
It will also include a neonatal unit, centre for reproductive medicine, and research and teaching facilities.
To donate, go to
https://abdnalumni.org/donate-UK