University opens £36 million facility for pharmacy and biomedical sciences

A pioneering research institute to drive forward the search for new and better medicines – and inspire the scientists of tomorrow – will open at the University of Strathclyde today (Monday 31 October 2011).

The Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences brings together leading researchers in the chemical, biological and pharmaceutical sciences to develop new treatments for some of the UK’s biggest killers, including cancer, heart disease and stroke.

The Institute’s new building in the heart of Glasgow will enable multi-disciplinary researchers to co-locate, helping them bring drugs and treatments to the market more quickly and develop urgently-needed solutions to global diseases including malaria and TB.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon MSP will be given a tour before she formally opens the new building this morning. She said: “The University of Strathclyde already has a strong track record in pharmacy and biomedical sciences and the institute provides the perfect environment for multidisciplinary research. It will allow the University to build on both its record of research excellence and history of successful interactions with industry in the development of new drugs.

“We are committed to ensuring research is at the heart of our national health service. The future scientific discoveries that take place in the institute have the potential to improve the lives of people Scotland and beyond – tackling a range of health problems from cancer and cardiovascular conditions, to psychiatric and infectious diseases.”

Professor Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde, said: “The University’s combination of research strengths in the chemical, biological and pharmaceutical sciences provides an unmatched academic centre in drug research. The investment in our advanced facilities will help our scientists find new and better treatments, and reflects Strathclyde’s commitment to finding solutions to the global challenges of the 21st Century.

“I would like to put on record my thanks to our supporters and donors, who have invested not only in our vision to improve health around the world through pioneering research, but in the next generation of pharmacists and scientists who will be taught here.

“I am also pleased to welcome our partners to the University. By bringing together talented multi-disciplinary researchers with colleagues in the NHS, business and industry, we are in the ideal position to accelerate the pace of research and translate it into products that benefit patients.”

The new Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences building includes laboratory space for 150 researchers and teaching labs for 160 undergraduates and masters students. It is also home to a ‘clean suite’ for the handling and packaging of drugs – Strathclyde is one of only three universities in the UK to teach to this standard.

Researchers are working on treatments for a wide range of illnesses including cancer, cardiovascular disease and inflammatory and psychiatric conditions as well as infectious diseases.

The University invested £28 million into the capital build, including funding from the SFC and the European Regional Development Fund, representing its biggest single commitment to date in life sciences. The remaining £8 million was raised through a fundraising campaign, with philanthropic support from organisations including the Wolfson Foundation, Robertson Trust, Garfield Weston, The Hugh Fraser Foundation, as well as individual Strathclyde alumni. Surgeon and television presenter Professor Lord Winston acted as patron of the fundraising campaign.

Mark Batho, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council said: “I am delighted that SFC’s funding has been able to support the development of this major research institute at the University. The co-location of research and teaching activities of the Institute in one building is an investment that the University, its students, and staff can benefit from for many years to come.”

The building’s official opening follows the announcement of a £89 million Technology and Innovation Centre for the University. Health Technologies will be a key theme in the new centre, bringing together scientists from the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences with bioengineers and social scientists to work with companies and the health sector in finding technologies for earlier, more accurate disease detection, prevention and treatments.