Professorial Lecture explores challenges of finding treatments for chronic pain

Glasgow Caledonian University School of Health and Life Sciences’ new Associate Dean Research Professor Sharron Dolan will reveal her passion for art and science in her Professorial Lecture on Tuesday, 21 February.

The Professor in Pharmacology, who recently stepped down as Head of Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences to take up her new role, will present her lecture entitled The Drugs do Work: Plants, the Brain and Treatment of Pain at the Glasgow campus.

Professor Dolan will talk about her career journey, from wannabe artist to scientist and teacher, then into academic leadership, and influences along the way. She will also provide an overview of her research career highlights investigating the causes of pain and the search for new treatments.

Her research career spans over 25 years, investigating the neuronal mechanisms of pain and analgesia. Recently, her research has focused on understanding the links between obesity, diabetes and chronic pain, and the development of new therapeutic strategies, including natural products, for the treatment of pain.

Professor Dolan said: “Chronic pain effects one in three people in the UK, and remains poorly treated. Pain is unequal and unfair and is more common in women, some ethnic minorities, elderly and in socially deprived individuals. New interventions, including new medicines, and access to these therapies are needed.

“Pain impacts everyone and therefore is relatable to all. The lecture will highlight the challenge of finding new treatments interweaved with my personal career highlights.”

Professor Dolan has supervised eight doctoral students to completion and is currently Director of Studies for a Commonwealth Scholar, looking at the effects of medicinal plants on pancreatic cell function. She has published more than 30 research papers in internationally recognised journals.

She also has an interest in Learning and Teaching, and is passionate about supporting the next generation of scientists. She teaches physiology and pharmacology, the neurobiology of pain, and also has an interest in psychopharmacology, drugs of abuse and addiction.

The Professorial Lecture will take place in The Lantern from 5.30-6.30pm. Book your place by clicking on this Eventbrite link - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/professorial-lecture-by-professor-sharron-dolan-tickets-486879899887