Dr Weir’s Legacy: University alumna establishes medical and musical bursaries
27 Aug 2025
Dr Sheila W Weir has pledged a transformational gift to UoM in her will to establish The Dr Sheila W Weir Bursaries
Intended to fund future medical and music students in need of support, Dr Weir hopes the bursaries will help others experience the world-class education at Manchester she has benefitted from over her long career.
Dr Weir has an extensive background in pharmacology, joining Manchester after completing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. While she initially wanted to study medicine, she didn’t qualify for a grant, and instead completed a PhD in Pharmacology at Manchester in 1985. Her work contributed to the eventual spark of interest worldwide in the field of potassium channels and their modulation by drugs.
After leaving academia, Sheila spent 30 years in drug development at the one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. But her keen interest in learning continued as she taught at ETH Zürich and the University of Lausanne in Switzerland along the way.
Dr Weir said “The greatest gift I can give is making a difference in the life of another human being. Especially if that person is young, from an underprivileged background and dreams of attending University."
Professor Ashley Blom, Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at The University of Manchester said: “We are honoured by Dr Weir’s forwarding-thinking commitment to support Manchester’s future music and medical students.
“Her generosity will continue Manchester’s rich history of musical vibrance and medical excellence, enabling talented individuals to pursue their ambitions regardless of the obstacles they may face. We thank Dr Weir for her unwavering faith in our students and for helping to make their dreams a reality.”
In addition to funding medical bursaries, the musical bursaries reflect Dr Weir’s passion for music, which has been a constant in her life from an early age.
Dr Weir is one of a growing number of alumni, staff and other supporters who have chosen to support the University with a legacy gift.