Eric Liddell was a student of pure science at Edinburgh University (born 1902 - died 1945). He was a keen sportsman and athlete. He played on the wing for Scotland at Rugby as well as representing the UK in the Paris Olympics. He was known for his strong Christian beliefs and morals and refused to run in the heats of the 100m, as they were to be held on a Sunday. He had a very distinctive running style and was immortalised in the film, Chariots of Fire, as the Flying Scotsman. He won a gold medal in the 400 metres at the Paris Olympics. He became a missionary in China where he died at the age of 43 from a brain tumour.

Eric Liddell encapsulates the ideals of the Edinburgh Centre for Neuro-Oncology:

Speed, co-ordination, compassion and inspiration to others and striving to achieve excellence. Eric's niece (Dr Peggy Judge) kindly presented a picture of Eric in full flight to the Edinburgh Centre for Neuro-Oncology on 4th Nov 1999. It acts as our inspiration. We hope we can live up to his example.