Published on 13 June 2018
We are very sad to announce the death of Professor Roz Anderson after a long battle with cancer.
A Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Roz joined the University in 1987. In her 31 year career as a researcher at the University she worked on the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, diagnosis of bacterial infections, psoriasis and cancer, but her particular passion was the battle against the rare genetic disorder Cystinosis. Typically, Roz’s work was not confined purely to the lab, and she made a point of meeting and discussing her work with the children affected by this illness and their families, which she maintained was an essential aspect of her work.
Roz was awarded a WIN Award in the STEM Category at the Network North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in 2016. Her win was due in part to her strong belief in teamwork and making a difference in society by inspiring future generations. Despite her intense research work, Roz insisted on working alongside undergraduate and PhD students and post-doctoral scientists, working to ensure that young people are advocates for the advancement of medicine and society.
Professor Tony Alabaster, Academic Dean in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, said: “Roz is one of the most inspirational research scientists I have ever worked alongside, always putting the needs of her students first.
“In her 30 years of working at the University of Sunderland she made such a strong, sustained and significant contribution to the Faculty's research, especially in the field of Cystinosis. She devoted so much time and effort to supporting scientific research designed to improve the lives of others and her contribution to Sunderland is something for which we will be eternally grateful.
“She was an inspiration to her colleagues and students alike, as well as many distinguished researchers across the world who are proud to have worked alongside Roz.
“She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and our deepest sympathies go out to her family.”
The Vice-Chancellor Shirley Atkinson said: “Roz embodied the philosophy of the University of Sunderland, that research should be undertaken to advance our society and inspire future generations of researchers and practitioners. She had an inspirational and passionate belief in supporting other researchers and students to look for solutions to today’s health issues.
“Roz was a true role model to students and colleagues as the embodiment of an active, engaged, impactful researcher. We were honoured and proud to have Professor Rosaleen Anderson’s pioneering work at the University of Sunderland. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time.”