Prime Minister announces £250 million commitment to world-leading UK research institute

25 March 2010

Gordon Brown giving a speech at the Wellcome Trust headquarters

Prime Minister Gordon Brown today announced that the Government will commit £250 million to the UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation (UKCMRI), the planned state-of-the-art biomedical research institute in central London.

Speaking at the Wellcome Trust, the Prime Minister confirmed that this funding will be allocated to the Medical Research Council (MRC) by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) following a successful investment bid. This will be in addition to the £47million already spent by the MRC on the UKCMRI site.

This allocation is still subject to approval of the Business Case towards the end of 2010 and agreement with project partners to ensure value for money, but it confirms the Government's commitment.

UKCMRI is a partnership of four of the world's most influential and respected scientific research organisations: Cancer Research UK, the MRC, UCL (University College London) and the Wellcome Trust. Its aim is to discover and develop a new understanding of, and treatments for, the illnesses which affect all families, such as cancers, heart disease and stroke, flu and other infections.

The institute will be constructed on 3.6 acres of land, to the north of the British Library in the St Pancras and Somers Town area of north London.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "This unparalleled collaboration between four globally recognised research institutions will help secure Britain's status as a world-leading destination for medical research. It will work to deliver the life-saving treatments of tomorrow and translate research discoveries into competitive advantages for the UK economy. UKCMRI will inspire a new generation of scientists and as we set out in the budget is proof of this government's commitment to invest in the sectors and jobs that we need for the future."

Sir David Cooksey, Chair of the UKCMRI Steering Group said: "We welcome this confirmation of investment by the Medical Research Council in the vital UKCMRI project. UKCMRI will be focused on enhancing Britain's position at the forefront of medical research discoveries and translating them into enduring benefit for the patient, for the NHS and for our economy."