Twenty-one years of charity support for medical and health research and innovation

The Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) has today launched a booklet entitled ‘A very public benefit: twenty-one years of charity support for medical and health research and innovation’ to mark the 21st Anniversary of the formal establishment of the Association in 1987.

Since being set up, AMRC’s role has been to support the sector’s growth and effectiveness and advance medical research by developing best practice, providing information and guidance, and representing our member charities with Government and other bodies.  With our members we have also played a key role in improving public dialogue about research and science including issues such as animal research and stem cell research.

When founded in 1987, the Association had 42 members who contributed approximately £100 million to medical and health research.  Now, our membership stands at 114 charities who collectively contribute almost £800 million to research per year – approximately one third of all public expenditure.

‘A very public benefit’ was launched by Professor Sally Davies, Director of R&D at the Department of Health, on Monday 3rd November at a reception at The Royal Society, London attended by 150 representatives of member charities and guests. 

Speaking at the launch, Simon Denegri, Chief Executive of AMRC said:

“‘A Very Public Benefit’ tells our history by looking at the stories behind some of the most successful, innovative and impactful work that our members have funded over that time and is an absorbing narrative of how medical research charities deliver public benefit through their research funding.  It also tells a story of vision, passion, focus, perseverance and sometimes courage in pursuit of that aim."

3 November 2008

Further Information
Dr Sara Ellis
Communications Officer
0207 269 8826

Background Information
AMRC is a membership organisation of the leading medical and health research charities in the UK. Working with our member charities and partners, we aim to support the sector’s effectiveness and advance medical research by developing best practice, providing information and guidance, improving public dialogue about research and science, and influencing government.

Established in 1987, AMRC has 114 member charities that contributed over £800 million in 2007-08 to research aimed at tackling diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, as well as rarer conditions like cystic fibrosis and motor neurone disease.  Over the past six years charities have spent over £5 billion on research in the UK, contributing significantly to our knowledge and understanding in the life sciences, medicine and health.

The production of ‘A Very Public Benefit: twenty-one years of charity support for medical and health research and innovation’ was kindly sponsored by the Department of Health, Medical Research Council (MRC) and BioIndustry Association (BiA). 

AMRC is also launching a sister website to coincide with the launch entitled www.charitymedresearchandyou.com.

Copies of the book can be obtained by contacting AMRC at ceoffice@amrc.org.uk.