Dr Peggy Shelbourne of the University's Division of Molecular Genetics has won a travel award for her pioneering research into Huntington's Disease. The grant, from TENOVUS Scotland, will enable Dr Shelbourne to present a paper on her work at an international conference.

Speaking of the award, Dr Shelbourne said: "Tenovus grant support has enabled my research group to identify novel molecular changes in nerve cells during the very early stages of Huntington's disease. The travel award is particularly appreciated as it will allow me to disseminate, discuss and build upon these findings with other members of the international research community".

Huntington's disease affects more than 15,000 people in the United Kingdom. Six thousand individuals are symptomatic and another 10-12,000 people carry the abnormal gene and will definitely manifest the disease in the future. Preventing the disorder before a person shows symptoms is thought to be the most effective treatment possible.

A child with one parent who carries the gene runs a 50 percent chance of getting Huntington's disease. The disorder is progressive, and typically strikes individuals in the prime of life, between 35-50 years of age. It causes uncontrolled movements, loss of intellectual capacity and severe emotional disturbances. It inevitably results in death, after a ten to twenty year course, without remission.

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Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

• Dr Shelbourne will receive her award on Monday 29 October at 1.15pm at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow
• Further information from Dr Peggy Shelbourne, 0141 330 6200 or University Press Office, 0141 330 3535
• The TENOVUS Scotland 2001 award was judged by members of the Independent National Scientific Advisory Committee. Dr Shelbourne is this year's sole winner.

First published: 26 October 2001