Dundee University Voted Best in Europe to Work In

12 November 04

The University of Dundee has clinched another first in an international poll of scientists who rank Dundee as the best scientific institution in Europe for scientists to work in.

Last year the same poll put Dundee third outside the USA but second in Europe to the INRA Research Centre in France. This year, Dundee has left the INRA behind for top spot in Europe and third only to two institutions in Canada * the Universities of Toronto and Alberta.

The Scientist Magazine conducts an annual poll of academics and postdoctoral researchers to find out the institutions they rate as the best places to work.

Commenting on the rating, Professor Peter Downes, Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences said,

"I think there are a number of factors that have contributed to our ranking: state of the art facilities, comparable with anywhere in the world; a commitment to sharing facilities and expertise especially as a means of developing the talents of young scientists; a culture of interdisciplinary working; pride in being part of a world-leading institution and its role in the region; a wide range of nationalities - scientists from no less than 53 countries work in the faculty; and the high quality of life in Dundee.

The only other UK institution in the top 10 outside the USA was the University of Liverpool which came in at number ten.

The survey revealed that scientists rank collegiality and resources for their work above pay and job security. The 'relationships with colleagues' category garnered the most votes, with next priority being 'core facilities' * libraries, microscopes and up to date buildings that allow them to pursue cutting edge research.

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