Today marks a momentous occasion for the Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research (WCMR) as we say goodbye to two outstanding and highly respected colleagues. We would like you all to join us in wishing both Professor Sir Doug Turnbull and Hazel Glass a very happy retirement as they both prepare to leave Newcastle University.

Professor Sir Doug, who co-founded the Mitochondrial Research Group at Newcastle University with Professor Robert Lightowlers thirty years ago, has had a remarkable career dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by mitochondrial disease. He has worked tirelessly towards achieving this goal by combining exceptional clinical care with world-class mitochondrial research.

Professor Grainne Gorman, recently appointed as the next Director of the WCMR, said “As Centre Director, Professor Sir Doug has built a strong and highly motivated team that has grown considerably over the years. With every accolade throughout his hugely successful career, he is always the first to acknowledge his team and the part they have all played in ensuring the WCMR continues to lead the way in mitochondrial research”.

At the heart of this is Hazel Glass, who has worked at Newcastle University for 28 years and as the administrator for the Mitochondrial Research Group since 2009. In this role, Hazel was responsible for providing support to the entire WCMR and used her vast network of connections and influence across the University to ensure the smooth running of the Centre on a day to day basis. This was a huge undertaking given the size of the team but is something Hazel made look effortless despite all the hard work that went on behind the scenes – we can’t begin to thank her enough for everything she has done!

Professor Bobby McFarland, Director of the Highly Specialised Service for Mitochondrial Disorders in Newcastle, said “Professor Sir Doug and Hazel have nurtured, encouraged and supported an incredibly talented multifaceted team who will continue to transform the lives of all patients with mitochondrial disease following their retirement. The whole team would like to take this opportunity to wish them both a very happy and fulfilling retirement and to say that they will be greatly missed by all of us.”

Photograph by Dru Dodd.