Two leading pharmacy experts at Robert Gordon University (RGU) have been recognised by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) for their work to advance the field.
Professor Donald Cairns and Professor Derek Stewart from RGU’s School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences have both been designated as Fellows of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
Fellowship is the highest recognition the organisation can bestow on its members and is awarded to those who have made an outstanding original contribution to the advancement of pharmaceutical knowledge or attained distinction in the science, practice, profession or history of pharmacy.
Professor Cairns, who is the head of RGU’s School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, has been recognised for his contribution to science and Professor Stewart has been recognised for his contribution to the practice of pharmacy.
Prof Cairns obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the University of Strathclyde in 1980 and has spent his career in practice and research.
In 2006, he was appointed to the British Pharmacopoeia Commission and serves on an Expert Advisory Group of the Pharmacopoeia. In 2008, Prof Cairns was appointed as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Professor Cairns said: “I am delighted and flattered to receive this recognition from my own Society. I have been a pharmacist for more than 30 years and to be recognised by my peers, for the award of Fellow, is very pleasing.”
Professor Stewart registered as a pharmacist in 1988 and is currently professor of pharmacy practice and lead for health and social care practice research at Robert Gordon University.
He led the development of pharmacist prescriber education in Scotland, and has contributed to the strategic development of the profession as a member of the Scottish Pharmacy Board, national committees and working groups.
He has published more than 100 peer reviewed papers and in 2011 was awarded the Pharmacy Practice Research Trust Award in recognition of his significant contribution.
Professor Stewart said: “I’m very proud that my work has been recognised in this way by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and I am indebted to all those who have worked alongside and guided me throughout my career.”
For more information about the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, please visit: www.rpharms.com