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Turning research in reality
17/06/2009
A new partnership between scientists and academics will create around 250 cutting-edge research jobs and cement Scotland's reputation as a world leader in life sciences.
The Scottish Academic Health Sciences Collaboration - backed by £15 million from the Scottish Government's Chief Scientist Office - will see new posts created across a range of clinical disciplines, including imaging, pharmacy, radiology and tissue banks over the next three years.
This unique partnership brings together the combined talents of the NHS Boards and associated university medical schools in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
It will place Scotland at the forefront of turning the latest scientific research into real health benefits for patients, including clinical trials and, hopefully, new drugs and treatments.
The establishment of the SAHSC also puts Scotland in a strong position to win multi-million pound UK and international health research funding and provides a platform for greater collaboration with industry.
The SAHSC was launched today by the Health and Finance Secretaries in Edinburgh's Surgeons' Hall.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"Life sciences research in our NHS and universities is rightly regarded as among the very best in the world. This Government is determined to build on that enviable reputation for the future.
"This new initiative opens up further opportunities for our researchers to work together and in partnership with industry to turn cutting-edge research into real health benefits.
"By speeding up the process of putting industry in contact with the best researchers, it will give Scotland a competitive advantage in the global marketplace."
Finance Secretary John Swinney said:
"From our first hours in office, this Government has been clear that Scottish skills, expertise, and innovation will be key to delivering our goal of increasing sustainable economic growth.
"We set out, in the Government Economic Strategy, steps we would take to support key sectors like life sciences and make Scottish business more competitive.
"Central to that strategy is action to improve the links between leading edge Scottish research and business innovation.
"Today's announcement is a further example of how we are taking action during an economic downturn to position Scotland for strong and speedy recovery."
Professor Sir John Savill, Chief Scientist of the Health Directorates, said:
"The major Chief Scientist Office (CSO) investment in the SAHSC provides the backbone to a world-leading resource that positions NHS Scotland and the University Medical Schools at the forefront of patient orientated research.
"Scotland-wide research networks have already been developed around the four University Hospital Health Boards with CSO funding, and they have been actively engaged in forming partnerships with neighbouring Health Boards in order that all Boards benefit from this initiative."
Wendy Nganasurian, Lay Member, Scottish Academic Health Sciences Collaboration Oversight Board, said:
"The SAHSC is an exciting development which will provide patients with greater opportunities to become involved in clinical research, leading, ultimately, to enhanced levels of treatment and care".
Jack Perry, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, said:
"The outstanding medical research that is carried out by our universities in collaboration with their NHS partners has been one of the fundamental building blocks in establishing a successful life sciences sector in Scotland.
"There is, however, potential to do more and this collaboration will help to make Scotland even more attractive for those global pharmaceutical and biotech companies looking to take advantage of our world class science base and expert clinical practice."
The collaboration will be managed by a Strategic Board comprising representatives of the eight partners and Scottish Enterprise, and will be chaired by the Scottish Government's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Harry Burns. The Board will report annually to the Scottish Government and the University Principals.
The Chief Scientist Office is a Division of the Chief Medical Officer Directorate within the Scottish Government and is responsible for encouraging and supporting research into health and healthcare needs in Scotland. Total CSO funding to support research in the NHS is in excess of £44 million per annum. Professor Sir John Savill is Head of the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh and is the current Chief Scientist.