PROFESSOR SIR David Lane (pictured), the internationally recognised cancer research pioneer who was based in Dundee, is to extend his sabbatical in Singapore for a further year.

He took time away from his groundbreaking work in Dundee with an initial two-year leave of absence from Dundee University to carry out research at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology in Singapore.

He was expected to return to Dundee next month but, after what the university describe as “amicable negotiations,” he will remain in the Far East for a further year.

It is understood that one of the factors in the decision was the multi-million pound refurbishment of his labs, occupying a whole floor of the Wellcome Building, that is under way.

A Dundee University spokesman said they were confident Sir David would return to Dundee, and the refurbishment of the labs was evidence of their “total commitment to him.” During his time in Singapore he has maintained links with Dundee and other Scottish institutions and has acted as a “talent envoy” for Scotland.