PM Backs "Groundbreaking" Medical Research Centre

PM backs "Groundbreaking" medical research centre

The Government has thrown its support behind a unique £500m medical research centre that Gordon Brown says has "huge potential" to change patients' lives.

Some of Britain's top scientists will continue the battle against disease and work to improve the nation's health at the new UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation.

The centre will carry out cutting-edge research using the latest technology and state-of-the-art scientific facilities, leading to new treatments that the NHS will be able to trial and adopt.

Specialists from the National Institute for Medical Research, Cancer Research UK, University College London, and other scientists from surrounding universities and hospitals will work at the centre with researchers funded by the Wellcome Trust.

The PM attended a seminar inside 10 Downing Street this morning to launch the new facility with the key scientists and business people who will play a role in creating the new facility.

He said the new centre would maintain Britain's position at the forefront of global medical research and strengthen the UK economy.

Mr Brown added:

"By taking groundbreaking scientific discoveries right through to treatment, I expect that the 1,500 staff who will be part of this project will develop many of the cures, vaccines and drugs from which the NHS and its patients will benefit in years to come."

The new facility, which is due to open in 2013, will be built close to the British Library and the new Eurostar terminal at St Pancras. A formal process is now underway to find architects, designers and engineers.

ENDS

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