This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Life Sciences has 'exciting future'
22/08/2006
Dundee is at the very heart of Scotland's world-leading life sciences sector, Enterprise Minister Nicol Stephen said today during a visit to four leading companies in the city.
The Minister said:
"Scotland is a world leader in global life sciences and has a bright and exciting future in scientific research. Dundee's position at the heart of the Scottish sector is indisputable.
"The Centre for Inter-Disciplinary Research (CIR), already houses 250 scientists and support staff. Cancer Research UK has made a considerable investment in the city's work, and Dundee is at the forefront of the world-leading Wyeth Project.
"We launched the Scottish Life Sciences Strategy last year in order to build on our internationally renowned scientific excellence.
"We also want to see more successful businesses, like those I'm visiting today, come to Scotland. The commercial and social benefits arising from life sciences are enormous.
"The life science sector not only delivers improved health for people in Scotland and across the world, but also creates sustainable, high-quality jobs and helps grow the economy.
"It is vital that academia, industry and enterprise networks all play their part in maintaining our strong position."
The four companies the Minister was visiting were:
- CXR Biosciences, a company with a wide remit including the development of new technologies and pharmaceutical patents
- Cyclacel, a world-leading bio-pharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel treatments for human cancers and other serious human disorders
- IDMoS plc, a company involved in the development of systems for the detection and monitoring of disease
- Tayside Flow Technologies (TFT), a company focused on the research, development and early stage commercialisation of innovative cardio-vascular devices
Scotland has one of the largest and fastest growing life sciences communities in Europe. Scotland is home to some 15 per cent of the UK's life sciences companies, adding up to around 600 organisations and almost 30,000 people.