Dr Neil Abbot, research and operations director at ME Research UK (MERUK), is retiring today after 15 years service.
Neil (pictured standing to the right of Alex Fergusson MSP at a Cross Party Group on ME reception at Holyrood) was one of the founding trustees of the Perth-based charity before leaving the board to join the staff.
He will retain his links WITH MERUK as volunteer, and has become hon secretary to its Scientific Advisory Board.
Click on the following link to read MERUK's own statement about Neil's retirement: www.meresearch.org.uk/news/retirement/
IT'S BEEN A REAL PLEASURE TO WORK WITH NEIL ALL THESE YEARS…
MEA medical adviser, Dr Charles Shepherd, writes:
I have known Neil for many years and we have worked together on a whole range of research issues – in particular the planning for and the work involved in setting up the ME Biobank at the Royal Free Hospital, which is now a vital part of ME/CFS research infrastructure here in the UK.
Neil has also been a close professional colleague and friend who has always been available at the end of the phone to discuss any aspect of research where a sound second opinion is required.
It has been a real pleasure to work with Neil over this time and I will really miss his humour and commonsense approach to what can sometimes be very difficult decisions for research-funding charities to make.
I must also pay tribute to his very important contribution and commitment to the work that MERUK has been doing in both funding and encouraging biomedical research into ME/CFS
Fortunately, Neil will continue to be involved with MERUK in a voluntary capacity as Hon Secretary to the Scientific Advisory Board, which will allow continuity in dealing with research applications and on-going projects, and giving advice when needed.
As for his official retirement, everyone at The ME Association sends their very best wishes to Neil!