SCILLS - The Scottish Institute for Cell Signalling

SCILLS is dedicated to the study of how biological processes are controlled and how they become deregulated in disease. The Protein Ubiquitination Unit is the Institute's first research Division. Its major aims are to advance understanding of the role of protein ubiquitination and related modifications in cell regulation and human disease, to facilitate the development of drugs to treat diseases caused by abnormalities in this process, to generate reagents and improve technologies on which more rapid progress in this area depends, and to train the next generation of scientists who will advance the subject.

Living and Working in Dundee

Ariel view of the Sir James Black Centre (left) and the Wellcome Trust building (right)

Dundee and its immediate locality have many cultural aspects to offer. It has its own repertory theatre (Dundee Rep Theatre), while those at Perth and St. Andrews are only a 20 minute journey away. The Scottish National Orchestra and Scottish Chamber Orchestra perform regularly in the main concert hall, and the city has numerous cinemas and eating places.

Additionally, the proximity of Edinburgh offers all the cultural advantages of the Nation's capital, including the Edinburgh Festival, the largest music and drama event in Europe. The surrounding area is full of history with three of Scotland’s six most famous castles (Glamis Castle, Scone Palace and Blair Castle) a short drive away, while Falkland Palace, south of the River Tay, is the site of the second tennis court ever built.

St Andrews (the home of golf), Carnoustie (host to the 1997 British Open) and Gleneagles (the venue of the Ryder Cup in 2014) are within a thirty minute drive, making Dundee one of the best spots in the world to play golf (which in Scotland is easily affordable) and watch world class competitions. The nearby sea and mountains provide ample opportunities for sailing, fishing, skiing, mountaineering and hiking.

The ship Discovery, which took Captain Scott on his historic expeditions to the Antarctic, was built in Dundee and is moored at the Discovery Centre, a major tourist attraction.