We were glad to share the day with those who helped us to realise this long-held dream, and to have the opportunity to thank them formally for their generous support and tireless encouragement. 

Photo of Jill Pell, Anton Muscatelli and Mark Pears at the official opening of the Clarice Pears building at University of Glasgow in September 2023

Donors and guests to the Clarice Pears Opening Ceremony were invited to see round our beautiful building and to hear about some of our work directly from researchers based in each of our research groups.

This gave them a real feel for the openness, space and light that floods each floor of the building.

Tours were led by a member of staff, starting on Level 1, then winding through Levels 2 and 4, before finishing in the boardroom on Level 5. These proved to be a real success. Originally timed for 30 minutes, each took almost an hour as our visitors asked questions of the presenters, stopped to take photos and admired the views out across the new Square.

 Clarice Pears Level 5 boardroom with views to main University of Glasgow building

Following the formal unveiling of the Clarice Pears Building plaque by UofG Principal Anton Muscatelli and Mark Pears (son of Clarice Pears and joint founder of the Clarice Pears Foundation), Iain McInnes, Vice Principal and Head of the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences chaired a panel discussion. On the panel were SHW's Sara Macdonald, Jill Pell, and Rory O’Connor plus Martina Johnston Gray, lay member of our International Scientific Advisory Board and Network Manager of the North West Glasgow Voluntary Sector Network. It was a lively and wide-ranging discussion that spanned the breadth of work undertaken by SHW staff and students. There was a particular focus on inequalities, complex interventions and community engagement – bedrocks of our research and teaching over many years. The vital work that the school does in terms of influencing policy and practice locally and globally was also highlighted. The panel discussion ended with a thoughtful conversation about what is meant by "wellness", and of the importance of adopting a holistic, person-centred approach to address which incorporates flourishing – both of individuals and of communities.  

Reflecting on the importance of this new era for the School of Health and Wellbeing, and thanking those who made it possible, Head of School Professor Jill Pell said: 

"We have always sought to address the greatest challenges facing society in the UK and around the world, and this building will help us tackle disease, improve health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities globally. I’d like to sincerely thank our donors, especially the Pears Foundation and Medical Research Council, whose generous support has been invaluable in realising this world-leading new facility that will help change lives."

A large welcome sign in the Clarice Pears building at University of Glasgow

All the comments we received were hugely complimentary and we hope that some will come back for a second visit.

Kate O'Donnell 
Professor of Primary Care Research and Development

Rory O'Connor
Chair in Health Psychology

First published: 27 September 2023

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