Early retirement of Robin Sellar

Robin has had a long association with the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, joining the MRC Human Reproductive Sciences unit after leaving the Hill Farming Research Organisation where he worked as an Assistant Scientific Officer between 1979 and 1995.

In 1995 Robin was employed in the MRC HRSU as a research support technician to Prof. Fred Wu where he worked in a team of 4 until 1990. He then moved into a similar role working for Prof Karen Eidne, as part of a larger team of seven scientists before being appointed as the senior laboratory Technician/lab manager for the Director Prof. Robert Millar, supporting a large research group of 25 spread across 4 research programmes until the unit closed in 2011. Between 2010 and 2011 he took on additional roles as Unit Technical Services Manager, Unit Assay Lab Manager, Unit Health Safety and Security co-ordinator and Unit Radiation Protection Supervisor. In November 2011 Robin was “retired early” following the closure of the MRC unit.

Robin was a key member of the unit during this period supporting both the Director and the MRC HRSU Laboratory Business manager, Pat Young. He supported many of the activities that helped the smooth running of the unit so that researchers could concentrate on research knowing that people like Robin ensured that the infrastructure, administrative burdens and technical services were expertly delivered. He facilitated the relocation of the MRC unit from Chalmers street on the old RIE site to Chancellors building then finally to the QMRI through changes in both branding and leadership.

In 2012 myself and my colleague Bob Morris (CIR, retired) coaxed Robin out of retirement to work with the histology and imaging team to implement a quality system as we were now the largest research histology service provider in the University. Robin’s meticulous attention to detail and organisational skills meant that we aimed high, by passing GCP standards to implement MHRA GLP accreditation, an internationally recognised standard that only two academic labs in the UK have achieved. This is testament to Robin’s hard work and commitment, working alongside Mel McMillan forming a very close and formidable team that helped us achieve this standard.

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I always think of Robin as the Cliff Richard of the research community. He was always remarkably healthy and youthful looking, enjoying playing tennis and only slowing down slightly in 2016 following a serious wrist break playing tennis that required some serious remedial surgery. He is a lifelong Hearts supporter and follower of Andy Murray. Despite being seriously ill following rounds of radio therapy and chemo therapy, he continued where possible to support our QA functions for as long as possible, only finally hanging up his clipboard in December 2018 when he was formally retired for the second and last time.

Being part of the journey through Robin’s ill health it has taught us several life lessons including making the most of life as we don’t know what is around the corner and perhaps sadly that you can work alongside someone you respect and admire for many years without really knowing them. In the latter stages of Robin’s treatment me and Mel were able to join Robin and his wife Hilary for lunch, enjoying some close personal time with a long-time friend outwith a work or large group setting. I’m glad we did it and it will be a lifelong memory.

What characterises Robin through this journey has been his selflessness and dedication to his family and colleagues, always putting them first. We miss him in the workplace, as a friend and colleague and we hope that his current treatment will prolong a good quality of life. Our thoughts are with Robin, his wife Hilary, and children Louise and Chris.

On hearing the news of Robin’s illness Pat Young said: “This is really sad news, he was one of the good ones”.

All who know Robin can only agree.

Written by Michael Millar, Immunohistology and Imaging facility manager, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health