Lesley Forrester

Lesley Forrester, a cornerstone of Edinburgh Medical School until her retirement in 2023, has been pivotal in fostering an exceptional training environment for hundreds of postgraduate students. A native of Dundee and longtime Edinburgh resident, Lesley dedicated over a decade at the Institute for Regeneration and Repair, influencing the journey of countless researchers and professionals.

 

Throughout her tenure, Lesley balanced leading a high-achieving research lab with her roles as group leader, postgraduate director, and co-director of PhD and MScR programmes. Her commitment extended beyond managing curriculum and research; she was a mentor and a supportive figure who invested time in students needing extra guidance, ensuring they thrived in their academic pursuits.

 

Lesley’s contributions have been widely acknowledged, securing substantial funding for her research from prestigious bodies such as the MRC, BBSRC, UK-based charities, and the European Union. Her impact is also evident in the accolades she received, including 'Recognition' and 'Outstanding Contribution' awards from CRM in 2018 and 2022, respectively.

 

Her role transcended educational boundaries as she also served as the academic misconduct officer for CMVM, safeguarding academic integrity. Lesley’s legacy at Edinburgh Medical School is marked by a culture of support, integrity, and excellence, embodying the ethos that education is as much about personal growth as it is about academic achievement.