This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Plans for stem cell research
11/01/2007
A world-leading centre for research into regenerative medicine and stem cells is to be built in Edinburgh, Ministers confirmed today.
Funding support of £24 million from the Executive will allow the £59 million Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine (SCRM) to be developed by the University of Edinburgh in close collaboration with Scottish Enterprise with an estimated completion date of 2010.
The SCRM, which will be part of the new Centre for Biomedical Research at Edinburgh's Little France, will be unique in Europe and is thought to be equalled only by Kobe in Japan on a global level.
In providing state-of-the-art research facilities, manufacturing capacity and commercialisation facilities, the SCRM will have three main elements:
- High-quality accommodation to support 220 academic researchers
- A centre for 'scale-up' development and manufacture of cells
- Multi-occupancy space to house commercial regenerative medicine research organisations and spin-outs
Visiting the site of the SCRM today, First Minister Jack McConnell said:
"This will be a fantastic development for Edinburgh, a significant boost to the Scottish economy, and will be at the forefront of improving the lives of people right around the world for decades to come.
"The SCRM will provide a focal point for Scotland's well-established strengths in regenerative medicine using stem cell technologies. The creation of this world-class centre will position Scotland as the leading UK and European location for this vital area of medical development, while also acting as a strong magnet to attract the best scientists, clinicians and regenerative medicine companies to our country.
"The technologies and potential health treatments based on stem cell research have tremendous potential for both health and economic development, with the prospect of delivering significant breakthroughs in the clinical treatment of some of the most degenerative diseases."
Deputy First Minister and Enterprise Minister Nicol Stephen added:
"The creation of this world-class centre of excellence underlines Scotland's position as a leading worldwide centre for stem cell and regenerative medicine development.
"Life sciences will be a dominant global growth industry in the 21st century. Scotland is really well positioned to make a big impact but developments like this are crucial. The SCRM will help us attract global leaders in stem cell research to Scotland.
"It is clear that there will be huge commercial and academic interest in this announcement. An independent evaluation carried out on behalf of Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian predicts that this project will help create 560 new jobs and generate £18.2 million per year for the Scottish economy."
University of Edinburgh Principal Professor Timothy O'Shea said:
"Scotland has a world lead in fundamental stem cell sciences. The most important area of application is regenerative medicine, particularly in relation to degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.
"This backing will allow Scotland to build on its international lead and at the same time will make a very significant contribution to the health of many people across the world."
Jack Perry, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, said:
"My colleagues within the Scottish Enterprise Network have been working extremely closely with our partners to bring this project to fruition and position Scotland as a global leader in stem cell research and development.
"We greatly appreciate both the Scottish Executive and the University of Edinburgh's commitment to the project, which will capitalise on Scotland's world class strengths in regenerative medicine, enhance the international profile of the Centre for Biomedical Research and deliver real economic and health benefits for Scotland."
Anne Glover, Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland, added:
"Scotland is internationally renowned for the breadth and depth of its stem cell expertise. This initiative has the potential to significantly expand areas for research and development and further strengthens Scotland's international profile in this area."
The total cost of the SCRM will be £59 million made up of £24 million from the Executive, £19 million from the University of Edinburgh, and £16 million from Scottish Enterprise subject to its Board's approval later this month.