MPs and peers demonstrated their support for UK medical research at a Westminster reception of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Medical Research.
The event showcased the UK’s excellent medical research base, including the significant contribution made by medical research charities. Guests heard about the challenges patients, researchers and funders face – especially given the current economic situation in the UK.
Representatives from many of the charities which fund medical research in the UK were present at the reception.
Simon Denegri, Chief Executive, Association of Medical Research Charities, said: “Medical research charities are the grassroots movement of science in the UK; generating public support for, and donations to, research; supporting the work of researchers and research institutions locally; and educating and informing constituents about new developments in science and what it means for them and their families.
“Their combined efforts resulted in an annual spend last year of £935 million for research into major causes of ill-health such as cancer and heart disease, but also less common conditions such as motor neurone disease and cystic fibrosis. Without the work of our members UK science would be much the poorer in every conceivable way.”
Speaking at the event, Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, Chief Executive, Medical Research Council, said: “UK science is a global success story, and the benefits from increased knowledge, improved health, and economic wellbeing spread far and wide. The MRC is proud to play its part in a prosperous and thriving medical research community in the UK, and with continued support for the institutions and the talented researchers involved in this endeavour we can continue to punch way above our weight on the international stage.”
Professor Sir John Bell, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said, “The UK’s achievements as a leader in medical research should be celebrated. Investment in UK medical science has consistently provided research innovations that have a major impact on our healthcare.
“Key to delivering this agenda is a workforce of talented researchers and doctors, who are appropriately trained and supported throughout their careers. We must continue to invest in our aspiring researchers and doctors, allowing them to translate the latest breakthroughs in medical science into direct patient benefits.”
Harpal Kumar, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “The UK has a unique charitable medical research base which spent £935 million on research in 2008/09, and an impressive £4 billion over the last six years.
“Charities fund life-saving research into conditions such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. This research depends on crucial Government support through the Charity Research Support Fund which enables charities to fund innovative and ground-breaking work in universities that other funders are unwilling or unable to fund. It is imperative that this support continues.”
ENDS
16 July 2009
For media inquiries, please contact Sara Ellis, Communications Officer, Association of Medical Research Charities on 020 7269 8826/07773 428021
Notes to Editors:
- The Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) is a membership organisation of the leading medical research charities in the UK.
- The AMRC has 119 member charities that contribute over £935 million annually (based on AMRC subscription data collected 2008/09) to research into tackling diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, as well as rarer conditions like cystic fibrosis and motor neurone disease.
- The APPG on Medical Research was established in 2005 to provide an ongoing forum and network for Parliamentarians with an interest in medical research and the medical research sector. It is supported by the AMRC, Academy of Medical Sciences, Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK and the Wellcome Trust, and is chaired by Lord Turnberg.