Former Robert Gordon’s College pupil Dr David Dalgarno, returned to Aberdeen to talk to pupils about his fascinating career in drug design, transforming the lives of cancer patients with breakthrough medicines.
Dr Dalgarno is Vice President of Research Technologies for global biotechnology company ARIAD Pharmaceuticals headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Lausanne, Switzerland. ARIAD specialises in applying precision medicine to the field of oncology, with a focus on understanding the basis of and designing drugs to overcome drug resistance.
Speaking about his journey from his days at Gordon’s to Boston - a global centre for biotechnology start-up companies, Dr Dalgarno said: “This week, I lectured to pupils and staff in The Wood Foundation Centre for Science and Technology and The Craig Centre for Performing Arts. These new centres provide an inter-disciplinary environment that enhances the strong tradition of science education at Gordon’s.”
During his visit to the school Dr Dalgarno met with members of the Primary 7 Young Engineers Club, delivered a lecture to S1 pupils on “How do we design drugs?”, spent time with Advanced Higher Chemistry pupils working on practical experiments and also S3 Biology pupils who were learning about osmosis terminology.
Dr Dalgarno added: “I am delighted to see so many pupils excited about studying science and it has been fantastic to have had the opportunity to work first-hand with pupils in the new laboratories which are modelled on some of the world’s best institutes.”
Celebrating their annual Founder’s Day, the community of Robert Gordon’s College welcomed Dr Dalgarno who delivered the oration. The oration marks the beginning of a year of celebration to commemorate the opening of the new Wood Foundation Centre for Technology and Craig Centre for Performing Arts. A year long programme of celebration events will take place for pupils, staff and the Gordonian community providing a series of lectures, workshops and master classes in science, technology, careers and leadership.
Mr Simon Mills, Head of College said: “We are privileged to have had Dr Dalgarno visit as our Founder’s Day orator and spend so much time with our pupils and staff. He is not only world class in his field of work but he is a true role model in the Gordonian Community of which I am sure Robert Gordon would be proud. Founder’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to unite and inspire our pupils and remember the mission set out by Robert Gordon encouraging our pupils to be the best they can be.”
President of the Gordonian Association, Robin Whyte, Class of ’76 said: “David and I were in the same class at school together. It has been fascinating to hear about his career path. David is a world expert in drug design and has been extremely generous in the time he has spent this week with pupils who will shortly be entering the world of work. I am very proud of the strength and reach of the Gordonian community across the world and an important role of the Gordonian Association is to help Gordonians to support each other through sharing experience.”