UoG Professor named charity Scientist of the Year
Published: 12 October 2017
A Professor at the UofG has been named Muscular Dystrophy UK’s 2017 Scientist of the Year.
A Professor at the University of Glasgow has been named Muscular Dystrophy UK’s 2017 Scientist of the Year at their President’s Awards for his research into myotonic dystrophy, a muscle-wasting condition.
Professor Darren Monckton (Human Genetics) was presented with the award during a ceremony in Birmingham on Saturday, which was hosted by the charity’s Vice Presidents Michael and Karen Attenborough.
Internationally recognised for his research into the condition, Professor Darren Monckton is actively involved in worldwide collaborations that aim to improve care and quality of life of people living with myotonic dystrophy, the most common form of muscular dystrophy in adults, affecting 9,500 people in the UK.
Symptoms vary greatly but can include muscle weakness and stiffness, cataracts, disturbance of the heart rhythm and, in children, learning disabilities. There are currently no effective treatments for the condition, although clinical trials are starting to take place.
Great honour
Darren told MyGlasgow News: "It is a great honour that our research on the genetics of myotonic dystrophy, and our engagement with the patient community, have been recognised by this award from Muscular Dystrophy UK. We are of course extremely grateful for all the support that MDUK has provided us with over many years, and the work of our clinical colleagues and collaborators.
“Most importantly though, we remain eternally indebted to the patients and families whose help, inspiration, support and direct involvement in our research has been absolutely critical in our progress.”
Jeanette Charlton, whose husband, children and grandchildren all have myotonic dystrophy, said that Professor Monckton’s work gave her “hope for my family.”
She said: “Sometimes a cure feels a long way off, but with Darren you feel that every day he is pushing the boundaries. He’s so dedicated to the cause. My family were only diagnosed three years ago, and during that time I’ve seen him uncovering more and more about the condition. He is driven by trying to improve lives and do work that will make a real difference.
“Scientists can be focused on their research and not spend much time with people who have the condition they are working on, but Darren is very active in the community. He is so clear in the way that he explains things to us, and the work that his lab is doing is incredible. He gives me hope for my family.”
Understanding
Presenting Professor Monckton with his award, Karen Attenborough said: “Professor Monckton’s group at the University of Glasgow continues to advance our understanding of how a person’s genetic mutation influences their symptoms. This research will allow clinicians to provide more accurate information to patients and help them to plan for the future.
“But Professor Monckton’s involvement doesn’t stop there. He also gives up his time to attend Muscular Dystrophy UK events, meet individuals and families affected by myotonic dystrophy and offer them invaluable information to help them better understand the condition.”
First published: 12 October 2017